Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for April 2022
29/04/2022
Ireland's first grid scale solar project has been officially connected to the Irish national grid. Developed by global firm Neoen, the Millvale solar farm in County Wicklow is expected to become fully operational by May 2022. Millvale forms part of a portfolio of three solar farms fully owned by
29/04/2022
An event has been held to mark the continued progress on the Kilkenny Regional Water Supply Scheme. Set to benefit 28,000 people with the decommissioning of ageing assets and the delivery of a 21st century water supply, the scheme will see €33 million invested over two and a half years. Contracto
29/04/2022
Irish forestry firm has announced a record-breaking financial performance in 2021 and set out its vision for the remainder of this year. The annual results showed a revenue of €422 million in 2021, up from €285m in 2020. This performance was driven by exceptional global demand for sawnwood and str
29/04/2022
Property owners in Thurles, Templemore and Roscrea, Co Tipperary, are being invited to apply for funding to improve the streetscape and public realm. This investment will support owners in improving their properties and public areas with shop fascia signage replacements, painting, environmental im
29/04/2022
Northern Ireland-based construction firm Farrans is preparing to head to this year's UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) next month. The event, taking place from 17-19 May in Leeds City Centre at the Royal Armouries and New Dock, will see over 5,000 in-person attendees and
29/04/2022
Reported allegations of conflicts of interest in An Bord Pleánala are set to examined, the Housing Minister has confirmed. In a statement, Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien said: "I am aware of allegations published in relation to a board member of An Bord Pleanála recently, allegations which have
29/04/2022
Locals in Belleek and Lisbellaw have been encouraged to help shape the future development of play facilities in both areas. Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is hosting two separate drop-in sessions to allow residents to inform play facilities in the area. The Council approved a new Play Park S
29/04/2022
Road works have been announced in Lisburn, starting next week. The Department for Infrastructure is leading a carriageway and footway resurfacing scheme on Kensington Park. Work will get underway on Tuesday 03 May, stretching from Ballynahinch Road to the Saintfield Road for 380 metres. This sc
29/04/2022
Fingal County Council failed to directly build any social homes in 2021, new figures have revealed. Statistics from the Department of Housing were showcased at a housing webinar organised by homeless charity the Simon Community. Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien has come under pressure to answer s
29/04/2022
A programme of road improvements has begun along the Kilmahamogue Road in Ballycastle. The scheme is taking place over a 1.15km distance, bringing great improvements to the surface. A road closure will be in operation between the hours of 7.30 am and 6pm from Thursday 28 April 2022 until Wednesd
28/04/2022
A new 100% electric, high-speed foiling workboat has been sighted on Belfast Lough. This innovative prototype from Artemis Technologies was designed and built to include the production specification drivetrain, battery and flight control components consumers will eventually see in the finished work
28/04/2022
New investment of €50 million has been unveiled to support enhancements to waste water collection and treatment needs of villages and settlements across rural Ireland. This funding, supported by a commitment under the National Development Plan, will be available to areas without access to public wa
28/04/2022
Cork and Dublin have been selected as representatives in the highly-competitive Climate-Neutral Smart Cities Mission. The European Commission chose the two Irish cities to take part in the Mission, which will see the representatives supported in accelerating their green and digital transformations,
28/04/2022
A new Regeneration Strategy for Ballybofey-Stranorlar town centres has set out an ambitious vision up to 2040 and beyond. Speaking as he published the recently finalised Strategy, Cathaoirleach of Lifford-Stranorlar Municipal District, Cllr Gerry Crawford said: "I am delighted to announce the fina
28/04/2022
A key drainage project in Roscommon Town has reached a major milestone ahead of its scheduled completion early next year. The Roscommon Town Main Drainage Scheme was described as a "credit to everyone involved" as it officially passed the halfway mark. The complex scheme includes more than 7km of
28/04/2022
A new online planning system for Mid Ulster is progressing well ahead of going live to the public in June. Mid Ulster District Council is delivering final preparations on the new planning portal, which will provide an end-to-end digital service for anyone submitting or responding to a planning app
28/04/2022
A programme of road improvements has announced for the towns of Moneymore and Cookstown. This resurfacing package will see work delivered on the A29 Moneymore Dual Carriageway and U5026 East Circular Road. Work will begin on 03 May along the U5026 East Circular Road and include the full length of
28/04/2022
An estate agent based in County Down has invested in a new, innovative stop-gap accommodation service for home buyers and vendors. Quinn Estate Agents is investing six figures in the business expansion with support from Ulster Bank. The sales and lettings specialist which now operates branches in
28/04/2022
Ireland's independent planning body An Bord Pleanála (ABP) has come under scrutiny over allegations surrounding one of its board members. Recent media reports in The Ditch and The Examiner have alleged a potential conflict-of-interest surrounding a board member. Sinn Féin representative Eóin Ó B
28/04/2022
A new Bill is being put forward by Sinn Féin to curtail electricity and gas disconnections for households struggling with energy bills. The Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Prohibition of Winter Disconnections) Bill 2021 will be debated in the Dáil at Second Stage this evening, 28 April, and is
27/04/2022
The future development of Ashbourne has been boosted with the completion of a vital water project. Led by Irish Water, the Ashbourne Watermains Bottleneck Project involved the construction of over 5km of new trunk water mains along the R135 and adjoining roads. The new pipeline will support future
27/04/2022
Grange Park in Omagh is set to close for a number of weeks to facilitate a key programme of redevelopment works. Garden Escapes is taking on the project, which will see the existing play park transformed into a a state-of-the-art 'destination play park'. Work will get underway on 02 May 2022 as pa
27/04/2022
NI Water has pledged its commitment to social inclusion by becoming the first organisation in Northern Ireland to sign up to the UK's levelling up goals. The goals led by Rt Honourable Justine Greening are set forth to ensure equal access to opportunity for all, helping to drive social mobility in
27/04/2022
Kilcooley Women's Centre has enhanced its Ladybird Childcare facility with a new outdoor play area. Kilcooley Women's Centre has been providing services to women across the wider Kilcooley area since 1995, and works collaboratively with other agencies to improve outcomes for all residents of the e
27/04/2022
A cohort of NI Water apprentices have been granted an invaluable insight into the Silent Valley Reservoir in the heart of the Mourne Mountains. The Higher Level Apprentices (HLA's) and Graduates of the NI Water Apprentice Academy had a behind the scenes visit inside the famous dam and under the re
27/04/2022
Alliance is preparing to outline proposals for Infrastructure in its upcoming manifesto to help create more viable active travel solutions for people across Northern Ireland. Speaking ahead of the manifesto, Alliance North Belfast Assembly candidate Nuala McAllister has called for greater improvem
27/04/2022
The new section of the new N22 bypass at Macroom could be ready in time for a 2022 opening, a Fianna Fáil TD has revealed. The party's Cork North West representative, Aindrias Moynihan was updated on the project after posing questions to the Minister of Transport in the Dáil. Transport Minister
27/04/2022
Kilkenny firm David Mulcahy Electrical Ltd has been struck with a €5,000 fine over two health and safety breaches. The company pleaded guilty to two charges in breach of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 at Kilkenny District Court yesterday, Tuesday 26 April. On 03 December 2020, a
27/04/2022
Competent Authority for electrical contractors in Ireland, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) has launched a search to find experts for an exciting new panel. The CRU invites applications for suitably qualified and experienced candidates for appointment to the Panel of Experts. The P
27/04/2022
A team of Irish Water and Kilkenny County Council representatives have launched a water mains improvement scheme in Kilkenny. Work got underway earlier this week to replace ageing backyard water mains and providing new service connections for customers on Michael Street. This project involves the
26/04/2022
A ceremony has been held to mark the beginning of construction on a landmark new bridge in Galway city. The Salmon Weir Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge will be the first bridge to span the Corrib in over 30 years, providing a seamless route for pedestrians and cyclists to cross the river. With views
26/04/2022
Irish company Actavo has been celebrated for its excellence in health and safety standards with four prestigious awards. The firm was recognised at the annual Health and Safety Awards organised by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) in the UK. Three of the RoSPA awards recog
26/04/2022
The development of the £200 million Belfast Transport Hub has reached a key project milestone. Piling has commenced on the Weavers Cross scheme thanks to firm FK Lowry, on behalf of Farrans/Sacyr JV. The firm has mobilised two Soilmec Piling Rigs to install 600mm diameter CFA Piles to depths of u
26/04/2022
An innovative, groundbreaking project to document and examine property data in Dublin has been boosted with new funding. Maynooth University researcher, Professor Rob Kitchin has secured a €2.4 million European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Grant for his project which will document in detail prop
26/04/2022
Plans are progressing for key water infrastructure upgrades in Ennis ahead of an exciting public realm enhancement project. Irish Water will move forward with the replacement of ageing water mains at High Street, Bank Place, O'Connell Square and O'Connell Street, to provide a more reliable water s
26/04/2022
The exclusion of the Northern Distributor Road from the draft Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy has been described as a "retrograde step" for Limerick. Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan has come under criticism for failing to include the key road scheme in his draft strategy.
26/04/2022
A series of works have been completed to enhance Active Travel at Mount Pleasant in County Waterford. The Active Travel connectivity scheme saw the development of a new footpath, improvements to public lighting, footpath upgrades, line marking, fencing and landscaping. Each permeability scheme is
26/04/2022
Terex has aquired Steelweld, a manufacturer of heavy fabrications based in Northern Ireland. The purchase of Steelweld supports Materials Processing's growth strategy by increasing fabrication capabilities in Northern Ireland. "We are excited to welcome Steelweld's talented employees to the Terex
26/04/2022
President of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland, Charlotte Sheridan is set take part in the upcoming UIA Forum Affordable Housing Activation. This hybrid event on 19 May will see architects join together from architectural institutes around the world. Ms Sheridan will be representin
26/04/2022
Resident of the island of Inis Oírr are set to benefit from an improved water supply thanks to new works. Irish Water is working with Galway County Council to replace almost 1km of old water mains on the Island with new, modern pipes. These works will help drive down leakage and improve water suppl
25/04/2022
A number of public marine infrastructure projects are set to move forward following funding approval of €32.7 million. Proposed for funding under the EU Brexit Adjustment Reserve, this scheme will help support and improve coastal communities across Ireland. Announcing the funding approval, which
25/04/2022
An innovative project to deliver sustainable, low energy wastewater treatment to the village of Lixnaw in Co Kerry has been recognised with a major accolade. Irish Water and its partners VESI Environmental and Kerry County Council received a prestigious Green Award for their work on the project, w
25/04/2022
A metal recycling company has been fined for breaches of waste management legislation. The decision against United Metal Recycling was reached by the District Court, in relation to an incident at the company's waste permitted facility at Eastway Business Park, Ballysimon Road. A fire occurred at t
25/04/2022
Northern Ireland body Construction Employers Federation (CEF) has announced an exciting new partnership. RedSky has been confirmed as the latest CEF Commercial Partner, helping support its 800 member companies. RedSky software enables construction companies to achieve and maintain competitive adva
25/04/2022
Primary school children across Northern Ireland have been invited to play a key role in this year's Clean Air Day, Thursday 01 June. The DAERA Air and Environmental Quality unit is offering an expression of interest to all primary schools (P4-7) in Northern Ireland to have a member of the team del
25/04/2022
Northern Ireland-based construction firm Farrans has hosted a variety of activities to mark World Earth Day 2022. The celebration on Friday 22 April saw the Farrans team join Business in the Community Northern Ireland by volunteering in the gardens of Kilcreggan Urban Farm in Carrickfergus. Kilcre
25/04/2022
A call has been issued for 100% redress for homeowners affected by latent defects including fire safety defects or water ingress. Sinn Féin has made a submission to the Working Group on Defects in Housing, setting out what they believe should be present in the final report. Expanding on the party
25/04/2022
Key maintenance works are underway on the water supply in the Loughrea area of County Galway. Irish Water and Galway County Council are collaborating to deliver the routine maintenance works on the Loughrea Regional Water Supply Scheme. While these maintenance works are underway, customers in Crau
25/04/2022
Engineers Ireland has been recognised for its commitment to diversity with a prestigious accolade. The engineering institution was granted the Bronze Award in the Investors in Diversity Journey from the Irish Centre for Diversity. Bronze is the first of the three stages in the Investors in Diversi
25/04/2022
A programme of water main replacements is set to begin in Ballinsloe, Co Galway. Irish Water is leading the scheme, which will see residents benefit from an improved water supply. Work will involve the replacement of water mains at the Creagh Junction, following on from similar works from Mackney
22/04/2022
Construction got underway on 2,809 new residential homes across Ireland in March 2022, new data has revealed. The Building Control Authorities received almost 3,000 Commencement Notices for March. In the past twelve months (April 2021 to March 2022), Commencement Notices for 34,846 new homes were
22/04/2022
Birdwatchers in Waterford are set to enjoy a brand new bird hide overlooking Tramore back strand. Built by Liam Whelan Plant Hire Ltd at Tramore Nature Park, the new bird hide boasts stunning views of the back strand. The hide designed by Waterford firm Bryan McCarthy & Associates provides shelter
22/04/2022
The Chairman of NI Water, Dr Len O'Hagan has called for the creation of an indigenous Renewable Energy System in Northern Ireland amid news of energy price surges. Dr O'Hagan cited the increasing price of electricity and its link to the global price of gas as a main proponent of its soaring costs o
22/04/2022
Fingal's rich archaeological heritage has secured greater protection with funding for six key sites. Approximately €391,648 was awarded to six locations under the Community Monuments Fund 2022 to aid with their works and survey programmes. Rush Tower House, St Catherine's Church, Kenure, St Marnoc
22/04/2022
Ireland's independent planning body An Bord Pleanála (ABP) has come under severe criticism with damning reports surfacing in the media. Recent reports have claimed that "public confidence in the Bord is already low and failure to adequately respond will make the situation worse". Sinn Féin repre
22/04/2022
A motion to stop the upcoming ban on selling turf in Ireland is set to be brought forward in the Dáil next week. The ban is due to come into effect from this September and would hit rural communities with no other heating options. Sinn Féin representative Claire Kerrane TD announced the party's mo
22/04/2022
Belfast Metropolitan College has marked World Earth Day (22 April) by reinforcing its commitment to sustainability. The University and FE College sector's collective response to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals has been further enhanced in its new Strategic Plan 2021-24, with one of
22/04/2022
A free agricultural contractor fair and information roadshow is set to take place in the River Derg area next week. The event will see farmers, landowners and contractors in attendance at Aghyaran Saint Davog's GAA Club, near Killeter, Castlederg, on Thursday 28 April, from 11am to 4pm. Source to
22/04/2022
A project to install a new Entrance and Boundary Treatment works in the Ebrington area of L'Derry has been completed. This scheme was delivered off the Limavady road alongside controlled pedestrian crossing points, with the new entrance framed with stone cladding walls with backlit signage and lan
22/04/2022
Locals in the Ballygar area of County Galway are set to benefit from an improved water supply thanks to key works. Irish Water and Galway County Council collaborated to replace 2km of ageing water mains at Pound Road junction along Hymany Way. This has resulted in reduced water being lost undergro
21/04/2022
Plans for new residential units and retail space have been approved for the centre of Glengormley. This £9 million project will see 63 apartments and a new retail unit constructed at the car wash and Ferbro buildings site. This new development will help to address the high demand for housing in t
21/04/2022
An ambitious tree planting programme launched by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has officially reached completion. Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Cllr William McCaughey marked the completion of the MEA4Trees programme by planting the final and 58,000th tree at Diamond Jubilee Wood Whitehead on
21/04/2022
Plans are moving forward for a new housing development in Antrim town centre. The £15 million project is progressing following approval from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council. This new investment will create 50 construction jobs at the former site of the Northern Regional College in Fountain
21/04/2022
Northern Ireland construction firm Henry Brothers has been recognised for its excellence in health and safety practices with a prestigious accolade. The company has been celebrated with an RoSPA Gold Award, in recognition of its practices while delivering the Sherwood Lodge project for its clients,
21/04/2022
Southern Regional College's Final Assured Skills Welding Academy has proven a huge success. Students from the Academy have successfully completed their training and work placement. The candidates spent five weeks intensive training in college working towards the City & Guilds Level 2 qualification
21/04/2022
Merlo distributor in Ireland, McHale Plant Sales has received first deliveries at their Rathcoole centre of the new Cingo, a wholly new addition to the Merlo range which McHale claims is 'tailor-made for the small contractor and rental market'. Described by their sales director, Denis McGrath as 'a
21/04/2022
Key water network improvements are continuing to improve supply in Dublin City. Irish Water is working closely with Dublin City Council to deliver improvements on Blessington Street as part of the national utility's Leakage Reduction Programme. Matt Thompson, Water Network Programme Lead with Iris
21/04/2022
Northern Ireland-based contractor Farrans is set to take part in an event in Camden to mark World Earth Day this evening, 21 April. The company will be present at the UCS Sustainability Open Evening hosted by UCS Senior School Green Impact Group. This events forms part of a wider programme of com
21/04/2022
A programme of water main replacement works is set to begin in the County Donegal village of Inver. Work will take place in Fanaghans, Inver, to replace 300 metres of old water mains along the N56 with new, modern pipes. Irish Water is working in partnership with Donegal County Council to bring t
21/04/2022
Reports have surfaced that more than 50% of accommodation pledges for Ukrainian refugees in Ireland have fallen through. The government has come under criticism for being "on the backfoot of the issue", with Labour representative Rebecca Moynihan reiterating a call for an appropriate response. Se
20/04/2022
A new scheme has been green lit to enhance the visitor experience at County Clare's historic Loop Head Lighthouse. This proposed development will see upgrades delivered to the visitor experience facilities in Kilbaha, with the delivery of ancillary infrastructure and associated site development wor
20/04/2022
The future regeneration of Ballyshannon Town Centre in County Donegal has been outlined in a visionary Strategy and Action Plan. Donegal County Council and GM Design have collaborated to develop a regeneration focused roadmap of key priorities and actions for the sustainable regeneration of Ballysh
20/04/2022
The establishment of an Executive Department for Energy and Climate Change in Northern Ireland has been set forth as a priority in Alliance's Assembly election manifesto. The party is also proposing the creation of 50,000 green new jobs by 2030, as laid out in Alliance's Green New Deal, a strategy
20/04/2022
Community groups have been invited to secure investment under a new €15 million capital fund to upgrade and refurbish centres across the country. The funding is available to support the following: • Works to improve communal facilities such as kitchen and toilet facilities • Energy retrofitting,
20/04/2022
An event is set to take place on the Limerick Greenway to mark Earth Day 2022. The Green Party is holding the event on Saturday 23 April, giving people the opportunity to learn more about the history and biodiversity of the area, and what the Greenway provides for the local and wider community. Th
20/04/2022
Northern Ireland will be represented at the upcoming All Energy 'Engineering a Net Zero Future' event in Scotland with a speaker from GenComm. GenComm Programme Manager, Paul McCormack will serve as the initial speaker at the event in the SEC in Glasgow on May 11, 2022. All Energy is the UK's lar
20/04/2022
Upgrade projects have moved forward in Athlone as part of Irish Water's national Leakage Reduction Programme. The national utility worked with Westmeath County Council to complete two further upgrade projects in the Arcadia and Coosan areas of Athlone which have reduced the number of bursts and wa
20/04/2022
Work is underway to replace water mains in Tralee, Co Kerry. Irish Water has deployed crews in the area to improve the supply for residents of the North Circular Road. This project will see over 190 metres of aged cast iron water mains replaced with new modern pipes. Speaking about the proposed w
19/04/2022
Plans for 778 new waterfront homes in Belfast's Titanic Quarter have been approved for development. Belfast City Council has granted planning permission for the proposals which will see a new urban community created along the waterfront. Designed by Todd architects, the new homes will include a ra
19/04/2022
The establishment of a construction A-Level has been one of several priorities outlined ahead of the Northern Ireland Assembly elections next month. The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) published a comprehensive manifesto, setting forth a series of action for the MLAs to implement. The key p
19/04/2022
A total of 128 projects have secured funding to help protect and promote archaeological monuments across Ireland. The 2022 Community Monuments Fund builds on the success of last year's scheme, with 139 awards granted amounting to just under €4.2 million. This year's fund will see projects share inv
19/04/2022
An ambitious overhaul of Athlone Water Treatment Plant has reached a key milestone with the completion of phase one works. Irish Water, working in partnership with Westmeath County Council, began construction work on the plant in January 2021 to increase its capacity and meet the long term demands
19/04/2022
The government has come under criticism for its proposed ban on the sale of turf later this year. Sinn Féin representative Matt Carthy TD has slammed the government for being "out of touch with rural communities". "Turf has been one of the only forms of heating not to see prices spiral in recent
19/04/2022
Locals in Dromore have been urged to help shape the future development of play facilities in the village. Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has launched a public consultation on the issue, with a drop-in session scheduled for later this month. The Council approved a new Play Park Strategy in 20
19/04/2022
Planning regulation on the installation of solar panels has been loosened thanks to new exemptions. Planning permission will no longer be required for larger installations of solar panels across residential rooftops, farm buildings, schools, community centres and a range of commercial buildings. G
19/04/2022
Applications are being sought to repurpose town centre properties across the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council area. The Town Centre Property Repurposing Pilot Grant Scheme focuses on the provision of support across the three main town centres within the Borough: Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larn
19/04/2022
Northern Ireland-based construction firm Farrans is set to take part in next month's All-Energy Exhibition and Conference in Glasgow. The event will be held at the SEC Glasgow, 11-12 May 2022, marking its 21st year. All-Energy connects suppliers of renewable and low carbon energy solutions and poli
19/04/2022
A programme of essential water main connection works is set to take place in the County Cork town of Cloyne this evening, 19 April. Irish Water is deploying a team to deliver work at St Colmans National School on Spital Street. This may cause disruption to supply for homes and businesses from 7pm t
14/04/2022
Engineering firms across Northern Ireland are set to undergo new inspections to ensure the correct control of welding fume. Led by the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI), the inspection and enforcement initiative is set to begin in May this year. HSENI Principal Anne Boylan s
14/04/2022
The construction of offsite housing across Ireland is set to be boosted with the opening of a new manufacturing facility in Longford. National offsite housing supplier Framespace Solutions is investing €8 million to refurbish the former Cameron Willis engineering works in Longford town to develop t
14/04/2022
The County Mayo town of Ballina has been selected for the roll out of Irish Water's latest initiative. The national utility will launch its Sustainable Water Towns Initiative in the North Mayo town, supporting businesses to drive down their water consumption and save money on their bills. On Wedn
14/04/2022
House prices are continuing to rise across Ireland, a new report has confirmed. The average prices nationwide have increased by 15.3% according to the CSO Residential Property Price Index report for February 2022. Since February 2021, house prices have increased by 15.3% across the State, with pri
14/04/2022
Plans are progressing for the development of an outdoor recreation facility for young people in Celbridge, Co Kildare. Provision of outdoor recreational space for teens is a key priority in Kildare County Council's Play Strategy 2018-2028 and the Kildare Children and Young People's Services Committ
14/04/2022
A new lane is set to open in Cork city as part of the wider MacCurtain Street Public Transport Improvement Scheme. Motorists will be able to access the new northbound lane on Brian Boru Street from Thursday 21 April. This will allow cars to turn right from St. Patrick's Quay and continue straight o
14/04/2022
Work is progressing well on key improvements to non-county island roads across Donegal. Preparatory work has got underway on the scheme, with tenders now issued and expected back in the coming weeks. Members at the Glenties Municipal District Committee were briefed on the scheme this week by the R
14/04/2022
Komatsu's new PC228USLC-11 ultra-short tail excavator has proven a popular choice among Irish buyers, new figures from McHale Plant Sales have revealed. During the past year, the Birdhill and Rathcoole-based company recorded sales solidly in double digit territory with a number of prominent names f
14/04/2022
Proposals for an outright 'cliff-edge' ban on the commercial sale of turf has sparked some serious concern. Fianna Fáil representative Barry Cowen has confirmed he will meet with Environment Minister Eamon Ryan to voice his concerns. Deputy Cowen said: "I'll be seeking to ensure that there is a m
14/04/2022
The government has come under criticism for failing to support rural communities with the announcement of VAT cuts on gas and electricity. This temporary cut in VAT on fuel bills from May to October will apply to gas and electricity, but does not include home heating oil. Sinn Féin representative
14/04/2022
A programme of repairs has begun to improve the sewer network in Letterkenny. Irish Water is working with Donegal County Council to deliver the repairs along High Road. To minimise disruption to homes and businesses in the area, repair works will take place from 6pm until 10pm this evening, Thursd
13/04/2022
A new zero-emission commuter ferry has been announced to operate between Belfast and Bangor, operated by Condor Ferries. The ferry service to commence in 2024 will act as a pilot scheme for the revolutionary fast passenger ferries currently under development by the consortium, led by Artemis Techno
13/04/2022
A multi-million deal has been reached for the acquisition of Northern Ireland heat pump manufacturer Renewable Energy Devices (RED). Octopus Energy Group will now take a controlling interest in the firm, with full acquisition expected by the end of the year. The partnership will disrupt the market
13/04/2022
A €1.2 million project to address street flooding in the County Cork town of Dunmanway is set to move forward following a key appointment. West Cork contractor Pat O'Driscoll Plant Hire and Civil Engineering Ltd has struck a deal with Cork County Council to deliver the works. The scheme will allev
13/04/2022
Approximately 170 local projects across County Galway are set to move forward with new government investment. Funding of €286,802 was allocated to the County under the 2021 Community Activities Fund, which will support groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with their running costs such as ut
13/04/2022
A call has been issued for the establishment of an independent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help protect Northern Ireland post-Brexit. This is one of Alliance's proposals in its forthcoming Assembly Election manifesto, which they claim will send a strong message to would-be polluters, p
13/04/2022
Iconic Belfast shipyard Harland & Wolff is set to host two virtual insight days in partnership with Speakers for Schools. The first event, Green Skills Insight Day, will take place on 26 April between 9.30am and 12.30pm. Titled 'Green Skills in the Maritime and Offshore Engineering Industry', the s
13/04/2022
The Department of Housing is preparing to issue its report on the establishment of a redress scheme, which looks set to exclude social homes. Expected this June, the report is being developed to remedy Celtic Tiger era fire safety and other structural defects. Sinn Féin representative Eoin Ó Broin
13/04/2022
The government has come under pressure to extend the fuel allowance eligibility criteria to support more households struggling with the rising cost of living. Labour representative Sean Sherlock has expressed concern that the scheme will leave those on low and fixed incomes out in the cold. Deputy
13/04/2022
Irish-based construction firm John Sisk & Son is getting ready to take part in the inaugural UKREiiF event in May. The contractor will be one of thousands of confirmed attendees from across the industry present at the sold-out Leeds event. As well as exhibiting its business at the event, it will a
13/04/2022
Irish Water is progressing with projects across County Leitrim to replace ageing mains and save water. The utility has finished working in Keshcarrigan to improve supply with the replacement of more than 2km of old water mains in the direction of Castlefore and Drumlitten. Keshcarrigan is the thi
12/04/2022
Harland & Wolff has secured a deal for drydock operations on two cruise ships in Belfast. This contract will see the iconic shipyard deliver drydock works for two cruise ships from P&O Cruises and Cunard, taking 33 days in total. The works due to be undertaken to both ships are standard drydocking
12/04/2022
Rural roads and lanes across Ireland have secured greater investment through Minister Heather Humphreys' Local Improvement Scheme (LIS). Approximately €11 million has been pledged under the scheme, supporting improvements and repairs on non-public roads and lanes that are not normally maintained b
12/04/2022
Visitors at Colin Glen Forest Park are set to enjoy a brand new attraction - Ireland's longest zipline. River Rapid, a 700m dual zipline with a 100ft high take-off, will open to the public from Friday 15 April, adding to the other new attractions which opened at Colin Glen last year, including Ire
12/04/2022
Kilwaughter Minerals has been recognised for its excellence in the manufacturing industry with this year's Made in Northern Ireland Awards. The company has been shortlisted in the Manufacturer of the Year Award (above £25m) category. Now in their ninth year, the awards recognise and reward the ex
12/04/2022
MGS Manufacturing is moving forward with plans to expand its Leixlip plant in Kildare, creating a new 20,000 ft space. This €7 million investment will see an expansion developed on the Kildare Innovation Campus, housing ISO class 8 cleanrooms, new offices, injection moulding machines, precision me
12/04/2022
The Schools Energy Retrofit Pathfinder programme has helped transform educational institutions across the country, an initial progress report has confirmed. The cutting edge programme demonstrates the approach to deep retrofit in the schools' sector, testing energy efficiency solutions and renewab
12/04/2022
Nikon Precision Europe (NPE) is set to create 40 new jobs in Kildare with the opening of its new offices. The company is expanding its operations at Kildare Innovation Campus with support from the Irish Government through IDA Ireland. NPE has been in Ireland since the early 1990's with local staff
12/04/2022
Community groups and not-for-profit organisations near the Laois-Kilkenny Reinforcement Project are set to benefit with the first of three phases of funding under the scheme. This first phase sees EirGrid pledge €204,600 to the area adjacent to the project, with a total investment of €511,500 throu
12/04/2022
The ongoing Ukrainian housing crisis has sparked another call for an immediate ban on evictions from rental accommodation. Labour representative Rebecca Moynihan has urged the government to take action as the private rental market continues to be put under further pressure. Senator Moynihan said:
12/04/2022
Pollagh residents in County Offaly are set to secure a more reliable, improved water supply thanks to key infrastructure works. Irish Water is leading a scheme to replace 4km of old water mains with new pipes, reducing outages and eliminating existing leaks. Speaking about the works, Joe Carroll,
11/04/2022
Residents of Castleknock in Dublin are set to benefit from exciting new outdoor sporting facilities. Construction has officially got underway on the project, which will see a new all-weather running track and third generation (3G) synthetic sports pitch built at Porterstown Park. Deputy Mayor Dani
11/04/2022
A ceremony has been held to mark the official opening of the Grange Castle West Access Road in County Dublin. The Mayor of South Dublin County, Councillor Peter Kavanagh was joined by local people and representatives to mark the occasion last week, 05 April. The new route represents the first phas
11/04/2022
National and international experts are set to visit Dublin later this year for the 2022 National Biodiversity Conference. Taking place from 08-09 June at Dublin Castle, this year's event will cover the theme 'Act Now for Nature' and forms part of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heri
11/04/2022
A major improvement programme has been launched at Ecclesville Forest Park in Fintona, Co Tyrone. Work is underway on the site to improve biodiversity and recreational amenities. Led by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, these works include the harvesting of trees along the Ecclesville Road to r
11/04/2022
A £1.7 million project to completely transform the facilities at Magherafelt Recycling Centre is making great progress. The centre will now close for a week, Monday 25 April – Monday 02 May, to allow new temporary recycling facilities to be created on the site. The extensive investment at
11/04/2022
A €139 million project to provide wastewater treatment for the first time in Arklow has made significant progress. Health Minister and local representative Stephen Donnelly visited the site of the Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant to see how the project is moving forward. When completed, the new
11/04/2022
Work to progress the National Broadband Plan (NBP) rollout across Cavan is continuing to make strides forward. Entegro is undertaking surveying and design works on behalf of National Broadband Ireland (NBI) which is leading the rollout of high speed internet connectivity for 544,000 premises across
11/04/2022
An Bord Pleanala has amended its planning decision on O'Devaney Gardens, paving the way for bulk purchases on apartments. Bartra, the developer, lodged a judicial review on the grounds that last summer the Minister for Housing Darragh O'Brien had exempted apartments from his planning regulations ba
11/04/2022
The design of a proposed sewer upgrade in Tramore is set to be shaped with key site investigation works. Irish Water is working alongside Waterford City and County Council to deliver survey works on Estuary Road, Great Somerville Road and the Waterford Road this week. Speaking about the works, Iri
11/04/2022
Prior to Brexit, the Southern Crusher Spares supply route was through the UK. Since Brexit each shipment has incurred a €80 charge from the freight companies for customs clearance, the cost of shipping a mid-size Jaw from the UK is approx €200-€250, resulting in total shipping cost of approximatel
08/04/2022
Up to three quarters of the electricity in the electricity grid can now come from variable renewable sources following the completion of a ground-breaking project by grid operator SONI. The power system is the first in the world to reach this level, overcoming major technical challenges associated
08/04/2022
A number of Engineers Ireland conferring events are set to take place across Ireland and the UK, with over 340 members securing professional titles. Those receiving Registered Professional Titles of Associate Engineer, Engineering Technician, Chartered Engineer and Fellow between March 2021 and Feb
08/04/2022
A new road and cycle scheme has reached completion near University College Dublin to encourage active travel in the area. Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has joined forces with UCD for the programme, which provides improved accessibility to the campus. With investment from the National Trans
08/04/2022
An open competition has got underway to name a Chair to the Board of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. The Department for Communities is urging women, ethnic minorities, young people and people with disabilities to apply for the position. Applications are welcome from a wide range of people w
08/04/2022
Northern Ireland-based construction firm McLaughlin & Harvey has won a spot on a new Crown Commercial Service (CCS) framework. The contractor was announced as a Supplier Alliance Member on the 'Construction Works and Associated Services 2 (CWAS2) / ProCure23 framework'. The appointment onto CWAS
08/04/2022
The Construction Industry Training Board Northern Ireland has announced plans to host a webinar on social media. Running on Tuesday 26 April 2022 from 10am-12noon, the webinar will give attendees a strong understanding of the latest changes in social media as well as the popularity of social media
08/04/2022
The government has come under fire for a "defunct" housing plan following the launch of its latest housing report. The Q1 2022 progress report on the government's housing plan was published with no press conference with the Taoiseach or Minister for Housing like previous reports. Sinn Féin repres
08/04/2022
Vital fuel supports for people struggling to pay fuel costs across Ireland are set to come to an end today, 08 April. The Fuel Allowance will now stop, despite pleas to the government to extend the scheme to support those in the midst of a living crisis. Sinn Féin representative Claire Kerrane TD
08/04/2022
A programme of roadworks is set to begin in Maghera later this month. Work will commence on 18 April along the A6 Glenshane Road at Ranaghan Road, extending from 300 metres west of Ranaghan Junction to 700 metres east of Ranaghan for a distance of 1 kilometre. It is expected to be complete by Frid
08/04/2022
Upgrade works are progressing to improve water supply in the County Louth village of Tallanstown. Being delivered as part of Irish Water's national Leakage Reduction Programme, these works saw a programme of improvements completed to replace over 1km of old and broken, cast iron water mains along
07/04/2022
The Land Development Agency (LDA) has proposed the development of more than 800 news homes in Balbriggan. The LDA has submitted a planning application to An Bord Pleanála for a Strategic Housing Development (SHD) in Castlelands. The 25.3-hectare site was made available to the LDA by the Housing A
07/04/2022
Funding of €11 million has been secured for repairs and improvement works on our rural roads and laneways, Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, has announced. The funding, under the Minister's Local Improvement Scheme (LIS), will support the continued improvement of non-
07/04/2022
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and the Department for Communities have launched a new £1.1 million Empty to Occupied Programme, with twelve revitalisation projects receiving funding to support commercial property regeneration across the borough. The scheme will support the rep
07/04/2022
A new Green Innovation Challenge Fund has been launched for businesses to work on projects to solve challenges of moving to a net zero energy system while delivering growth and jobs for NI. Delivered by the Centre for Advanced Sustainable Energy (CASE) hosted by Queen's University Belfast - an indu
07/04/2022
Fianna Fail is urging Minister Eamon Ryan to explain why he is ignoring the advice of Ireland’s energy regulator when it comes to the need for an LNG terminal in Ireland. The party's MEP, Billy Kelleher, said: "If a Govt minister can ignore the expert advice of a regulator, surely, this is not acce
07/04/2022
Gilead Sciences has officially opened its Dublin city centre office focused on developing new paediatric formulations for its portfolio of medicines. Development, clinical operations, legal / IP, medical affairs and regulatory teams will work together to create the company’s only Global Paediatric C
07/04/2022
Vectorworks has opened its sixth Design Scholarship. This global competition is open to undergraduate and graduate students in major disciplines related to architecture, landscape architecture, landscape design, entertainment and interior design who can now submit either new or past projects for a
07/04/2022
The Central Bank Quarterly Bulletin is a "warning that new housing delivery will be lower than what has been previously forecast", according to Sinn Fein. The party's Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD said: "The Quarterly Bulletin states that house completions are forecast to be approximately 24
07/04/2022
Construction equipment specialists, McHale Plant Sales – distributors in Ireland of Komatsu, Komatsu Forest, Metso Outotec, Merlo and Terex Ecotec equipment – has announced a number of senior board and management appointments which its chairman, Michael McHale said: "will resource the organisation a
07/04/2022
Irish Water has announced the successful completion of repair works on a burst water main in Drogheda. Water refilled the network overnight and normal supply has now restored to most customers. Some customers in Ballymakenny Road and those located on higher ground and extremities of the network may
06/04/2022
Digital transformation specialist Version 1 has won a significant contract with Iarnród Eireann to supply the operator of the national railway network of Ireland with human resource software Oracle Cloud HSM. The technology streamlines payroll, diversity and workforce management and will help the r
06/04/2022
QMAC Construction has celebrated 25 years since the business was established. The company was set up by Peter and Rhona Quinn who have seen the business grow over the past 25 years and met many challenges along the way. Peter Quinn, Operations Director, said: "Since the business was set up, we are
06/04/2022
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O'Brien and Minister of State for Local Government and Planning Peter Burke are inviting applications from cross-border Local Authority Partnerships for the new Shared Island Local Authority Development Funding Scheme. The €5 million schem
06/04/2022
Procurement Hub has announced the launch of its new Major Projects Framework following the appointment of Farrans to Lot 3 (Northern Ireland) in January 2022. Major Projects Framework 2 (MPF2) is a fully compliant framework for all types of construction projects within the UK Public Sector. The £4.
06/04/2022
firmus energy has announced a 37% gas price increase across Belfast from Tuesday 03 May. The latest energy price increase will impact approximately 47,000 domestic customers in Belfast and means the annual gas bill of a typical household with a credit meter will rise by about £330 per year. Those c
06/04/2022
New housing output will be lower than previously forecast, with approximately 24,500 to be delivered in 2022, according to the latest Central Bank Quarterly Bulletin. Commenting on the report, Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin said: "The Central Bank is warning that new housing delivery w
05/04/2022
Diageo has announced an investment totalling £40.5 million to expand the capacity of their packaging facilities in both Belfast and Runcorn, to support the growth of Guinness Draught, Guinness Zero and Guinness Nitrosurge. The facility in Belfast will see its canning production more than double wit
05/04/2022
The Green Party has announced it has published a new report on Dublin's Capel Street. The Vision for Capel Street contains recommendations for the future development of the street which is due to be traffic free from May of this year. The report was commissioned by Ciarán Cuffe MEP and launched by
05/04/2022
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council in collaboration with the Department for Communities (DfC) has announced that applications for the Town Centre Property Repurposing Pilot Grant Scheme have re-opened with a final deadline Thursday 30 June 2022. The council said there has already been significant
05/04/2022
McHale Plant Sales has been announced as the Irish distributors for the Italian-made Merlo range of telehandlers, and will pursue the goal of expanding its user base into sectors of the market where its presence had been under-represented. With the arrival of the brand's Multifarmer model – a highl
05/04/2022
Sinn Fein is call for "urgent action" to mitigate climate change. The party's spokesperson on Climate Action, Darren O'Rourke TD, has reacted to the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report and highlighted the major role the energy sector here can play in reducing our carbon e
05/04/2022
Workday, enterprise software specialist for the finance and HR sectors, has announced plans to construct its new European headquarters at Grangegorman, Dublin 7. The company has also announced the creation of 1,000 new jobs over the next two years, increasing its Ireland-based workforce by approxim
05/04/2022
The DUP has said its five-point plan to build a better Northern Ireland includes support for a Windfall Tax on energy firms and support to develop Northern Ireland's hydrogen hub. Leader of the party Sir Jeffrey Donaldson was speaking at a business breakfast in Ballymena and he also criticised the
05/04/2022
Elliott Group has appointed Will Leahy as Regional Director for Munster. A native of East Cork, Will has deep roots in the region and with over 23 years of Tier 1 Main Contractor experience, he is responsible for construction operations and new contracting opportunities in the Munster Region. Begi
05/04/2022
"Smile for Africa" Foundation is a wonderful initiative for a better life filled with smiles for children from different regions of Africa. In collaboration with the charity foundation, ESCREO have helped them feel the special magic that whiteboard paint can bring. Together, they transformed a class
05/04/2022
Funding of €4 million has been secured for 78 heritage projects across Ireland under this year's Historic Structures Fund (HSF) administered by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in conjunction with the 31 Local Authorities. In addition to supporting owners and custodians of h
04/04/2022
Telecoms giant BT is moving forward with the development of a modern new office space in Belfast. Representing one of BT's most significant investments in Northern Ireland, this project will see Riverside Tower modernised, creating 160,000 sq ft of new office space to accommodate more than 2000 BT
04/04/2022
Engineering organisations across the country are enjoying a post-pandemic boost, a new report has revealed. Over 81% of professionals said their organisation plans to recruit engineers in 2022, with 80% of public sector engineers, 77% in consultancy and 76% in utilities enjoying salary increases ov
04/04/2022
Cork city has set a new standard in Ireland with the declaration of a Clean Air Zone (CAZ). Becoming the first CAZ designation in an Irish city, Cork's Clean Air Zone includes Oliver Plunkett Street and adjacent streets. As part of the CAZ activity programme, five air monitors are to be placed on
04/04/2022
Work is progressing to develop two mini-parklets in L'Derry city centre and riverside. These environmental improvements will take place within the existing Waterloo Place pedestrian zone in L'Derry city centre, and along the riverside at McFarland Quay & Fort George Quay, which will feature new str
04/04/2022
The recently upgraded Ballyboden Water Treatment Plant in County Dublin has become the latest project to benefit from Irish Water's Biodiversity Action Plan. Over 1,400 trees have been planted at the site under the Biodiversity Action Plan, which sets out a national programme of measures to protect
04/04/2022
Four former Bank of Ireland branches in County Limerick are set to be repurposed to support local communities. Limerick City and County Council has announced its intention to purchase the four sites in Rathkeale, Askeaton, Bruff and Abbeyfeale. The decision to purchase the buildings stems from an
04/04/2022
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has reaffirmed its commitment to reduce its carbon footprint with a new vehicle roll out. The Council worked in partnership with Diamond Trucks to trial a Renault 3.5 tonne electric tipper vehicle on various routes throughout the District. The Council currently
04/04/2022
The government has come under pressure to scrap the Carbon Tax hike due to be introduced in May. This call comes as workers and families across the country face energy and heating price increases. Sinn Féin representative Pearse Doherty TD said: "Instead of supporting households, they plan to incr
04/04/2022
A call has been issued to alter the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) to help increase Ireland's supply of renewable energy. The TAMS benefits farmers with financial support for solar panels and other renewable technology on farms, including grant aid of up to 60% for young farmers.
04/04/2022
Work is underway to enhance a community garden at Creggan Country Park in L'Derry. A team of NI Water representatives visited the site to give a helping hand as part of the utility's 'Cares Challenge' project which is celebrating 10 years as of one of the largest corporate volunteering schemes in
01/04/2022
Golfers in the Newtownabbey area are set to benefit from a unique new driving range. Toptracer has been launched at Ballyearl Driving Range, adding a whole new dimension to the experience. Using state of the art technology, golfers can take the opportunity to analyse their golf shots through a ser
01/04/2022
A new housing development at Hayestown in Fingal is set to move forward with new government investment. Approximately €3.9 million has been pledged under the Affordable Housing Fund (AHF), supporting the construction of 52 affordable homes and 10 social houses. Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien T
01/04/2022
The development of a new state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant has officially got underway in Omeath, Co Louth. A sod-turning ceremony was held to mark the beginning of construction on the plant and supporting infrastructure, which will bring wastewater treatment to Omeath and surrounding are
01/04/2022
Work has got underway to develop essential new sewerage infrastructure in County Down. The projects, led by NI Water, will help serve new developments at Scrabo Road Newtownards and the Killinchy Road, Comber. The Scrabo Road scheme began on Thursday 31 March and will take approximately eight week
01/04/2022
An exciting new public space has been opened on Bray's famous seafront in County Wicklow. The new Strand Road Plaza features new seating, trees, planters and public lighting, as well as a shared space linking to the existing cycle route on both sides of the scheme. Further works included the wideni
01/04/2022
A programme of extensive upgrades is set to take place at Porterstown Park in Dublin 15. Work will begin next week, starting Monday 04 April, which will see the delivery of a new running track and an all-weather pitch suitable for a range of sporting codes. There will be work undertaken to build c
01/04/2022
Recent TU Dublin graduate Aaron Rowe has secured a prestigious accolade at the Irish Concrete Society Awards 2022. Aaron, who graduated from the M.Eng programme in Sustainable Infrastructure, was the recipient of this year's Seán de Courcy Student Award. The Seán de Courcy Student Award is open to
01/04/2022
An Taoiseach Micheál Martin's upcoming visit to L'Derry today, 01 April, has been cited as vital to help regenerate the north west region. During his visit, the Taoiseach will take part in a number of events including meeting with the North West Regional Cross-Border Group. Sinn Féin representat
01/04/2022
The Fermanagh and Omagh Local Development Plan (LDP) draft Plan Strategy 2030 has reached a key stage. The Strategy made great strides earlier this week with the conclusion of the Independent Examination hearing sessions. Once adopted, the Local Development Plan will set out the long term social,
01/04/2022
A call has been issued to the UK government to reverse its decision to end the red diesel rebate. Changes to red diesel entitlements came into force today, 01 April. Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has urged the UK government to take action. "These changes will hit businesses in construction, qu
