Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for November 2017
30/11/2017
The Housing Minister is being urged to "release funds immediately" to build new social homes in Co Louth. Sinn Fein TD Imelda Munster called on Minister Eoghan Murphy to allocate funding to develop social houses after it was revealed that Louth County Council owns over 50 acres of land banks which
30/11/2017
Construction work to replace old water mains in Co Mayo is to start on Monday, 11 December. The project on Creggs Road in Ballina includes the decommissioning and replacement of approximately 900 metres of ageing public water mains. The works will also see the replacement of old damaged service co
30/11/2017
Fianna Fáil is urging the Office of Public Works (OPW) to carry out a survey in Murrough, a 15km long coastal wetland area, following constant erosion in recent years. TD for Wicklow and East Carlow, Stephen Donnelly, is to discuss the issue with the Minister of State for OPW and Flood Relief, Kevi
30/11/2017
Refurbishment work at a primary school in Belfast has been completed. A total of £1.3 million was invested in John Paul II Primary School through the School Enhancement Programme. Four classroom extensions and alterations were made to the existing building and play area. Principal Raymond Hunter
30/11/2017
Fianna Fail has called for plans to build a new National School in Co Wicklow to move forward. TD for Wicklow and East Carlow, Stephen Donnelly, made the call following the approval of a new prefab at Greystones Community National School. The prefab is to be used for a second junior infant's class
30/11/2017
Fianna Fáil has called on the Transport Minister to review the funding for road maintenance next year, after the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) wrote to local authorities warning them that the Ordinary Maintenance Allocation for roads will fall by 30% in 2018. The party's spokesperson on Tr
30/11/2017
Sinn Féin has slammed the Planning Appeals Commission for refusing to overturn a decision for a student accommodation complex to be developed in north Belfast. The party's housing spokesperson Carál Ní Chuilín called for the site in Donegall Street to be used to build new social homes. She also sa
30/11/2017
Work has started to replace 3.5km of old and ageing water mains in Duleek, Co Meath. The water mains, along the R125 from Duleek Graveyard to Beymore Road, will be replaced with new heavy duty polyethylene (HDPE) and ductile iron pipes. The work is expected to take approximately eight weeks to co
29/11/2017
A Canadian firm has submitted a planning application to develop and operate a major gold mine in Co Tyrone. Dalradian aims to create hundreds of jobs if planning permission is approved. The development of the mine near Gortin would cost around £125 million. However, environmental campaigners have
29/11/2017
NI Water has acquired Kelda Water Services (KWS). The move followed the decision by the Kelda Group to put the non-regulated businesses of KWS up for sale. This included the Project Alpha Public Private Partnership (PPP) contract operated by KWS. NI Water Chief Executive Officer, Sara Venning, s
29/11/2017
A UK speciality pharmaceutical services firm is to develop a new facility in Dundalk. Wasdell Group is to build a 70,000 sq ft greenfield facility on IDA's site in Mullagharlin, representing an investment of €30 million. The project is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland. Minist
29/11/2017
Sinn Fein has called for designated special status for NI after it was revealed the negative impact Brexit will have on the availability of skills for the construction industry. The Construction Industry Brexit Manifesto highlighted the shortage of skilled workers within the industry and concerns h
29/11/2017
Residents in east Belfast are being urged to give their opinions over redevelopment plans for Avoniel Leisure Centre. The proposals, which also include the restoration and extension of Templemore Baths, are part of Belfast City Council's £105 million Leisure Transformation Programme. The redevelop
29/11/2017
Work to repair leaking pipes in Co Carlow has been completed. Several leaking pipes in the Bagenalstown, Tullow and Carlow Town areas were identified and leakage of treated water has now been reduced by 1.16 million litres per day. Mark O'Duffy, Irish Water's Networks Programme Regional Lead, said
29/11/2017
Sinn Fein has welcomed the announcement that construction work on the first phase of the A5 scheme is to start in the new year. West Tyrone MP Barry McElduff said the completion of the project is "vital in aiding economic development in the North West". He said: "The improved infrastructure networ
29/11/2017
The Housing Minster has been called to expand the number of Housing First tenancies to 1,000 in order to make an impact in the homeless crisis. Sinn Fein made the call to Minister Eoghan Murphy following reports two men died sleeping rough in Ireland. The party's housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin
28/11/2017
Construction work on the first phase of the A5 Western Transport Corridor is to start in the New Year. The scheme will taken place on the section between New Buildings and north of Strabane. The Department for Infrastructure today, 28 November, announced its Decision to Proceed the project. Sinn
28/11/2017
The Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment has been slammed after a report revealed Ireland's emissions increased by 3.5% in 2016. The Green Party is urging Minister Denis Naughten to "get real" about climate change. Emissions from transport rose by 3.7% in 2016 and emissions
28/11/2017
Construction work is to start on a £125,000 road improvement project in Annacloy, Co Down. The work on the Drumnaconagher Road will begin on Monday, 04 December. The scheme will involve drainage works and the resurfacing of a 1.15km stretch of the U0107 Drumnaconagher Road from the Drumaghlis Road
28/11/2017
The UUP has hit out after a political party distributed flyers across the Mid Ulster area stating that anyone interested in the Winter Warm Up scheme should visit the party's constituency office for more information. Councillor Kenneth Reid slammed the party for undermining the project which is a
28/11/2017
FK Lowry Piling, part of the Lagan Construction Group, has scooped at prestigious honour at the Concrete Society Awards. The firm received a 'Highly Commended Award' for the Design and Installation of Secant and Contiguous Bored Piling at the New QUB Biological Sciences Building in Belfast. The A
28/11/2017
Building work has been completed on a new 25,000 sq ft facility in Carrickfergus for a test equipment manufacturing firm. Yelo's new facility is located at Trooperlane Industrial Estate and Invest NI offered the firm £243,000 towards the construction project. Yelo designs, develops and manufacture
28/11/2017
Farrans Construction has started work on a £400,000 improvement project in Co Antrim. The water supply infrastructure is to be improved and upgraded in the Firmount Drive area. Work on the NI Water scheme is now underway and will continue until the 22 December, when the area will be fully reinstat
28/11/2017
A total of €7 million refurbishment work has been completed at the School of Business & Social Sciences Building in Sligo. The Minister of State for Higher Education, Mary Mitchell O'Connor TD, officially opened the new energy efficient development on Monday, 27 November. The 4,400 square-metre re
27/11/2017
Coffey Northumbrian Ltd is to start construction work to replace old watermains in Kildorrery, Co Cork. Irish Water has also submitted a planning application for a new reservoir in the area to replace the existing one. The projects will result in a more secure and reliable water supply for homes a
27/11/2017
Construction work has been completed on a new National School in Co Donegal. Western Building Systems in Co Tyrone recently handed over the keys of Letterkenny Educate Together National School in Ballyraine. The project forms part of the Department of Education and Skills' wider Rapid Build School
27/11/2017
A water treatment plant is Co Kilkenny is back in production following flooding issues. Repairs have been carried out on the Ballyragget Water Treatment Plant and normal water supply has been restored to customers. In a statement Irish Water said: "Customers should not be concerned if they have an
27/11/2017
Over 120 communities across Ireland have committed to developing long-term energy plans with the assistance of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). A total of 124 communities are now part of SEAI's Sustainable Energy Communities network. The network has doubled in size in 2017, as m
27/11/2017
Construction work is continuing on a major development in Ballsbridge, Dublin. Lansdowne Place on the corner of Lansdowne Road and Shelbourne Road will consist of 217 apartments, including 24 penthouses, when complete. The development was designed by Irish architects O'Mahony Pike and interior arc
27/11/2017
Repair work to a burst watermain in Co Cork has been completed. Irish Water customers in Monard, Killeens, Rathpeacon, Whitechurch, Kilcully and surrounding areas were affected. The burst pipe was located under a large culvert and was a complex repair. The work has since been completed and water
27/11/2017
Intel Ireland has confirmed that 100% of all electricity supplied to its 360-acre Leixlip campus in 2016 was generated from indigenous renewable sources. The action forms part of Intel Ireland's multi-faceted approach to reduce its impact on the environment and to support its commitment as a global
27/11/2017
Housing Associations (HA) in Northern Ireland delivered over 1,600 new social homes in the past year, according to new figures. The data contained in the NI Federation of Housing Associations’ (NIFHA) 2017 Global Sector Accounts also revealed HA's spent £289 million and helped just under 700 people
24/11/2017
Sinn Fein has called for a new drainage system to be installed in Mountmellick, Co Laois. Spokesperson on Climate Action and Environment Brian Stanley TD made the call after significant damage was caused to a number of homes following flash flooding in the area on Wednesday night, 22 November. He
24/11/2017
Dawson Wam has been selected to carry out work on a £5 million sewerage infrastructure project in Belfast. The work, to upgrade and improve the infrastructure, will be taking place in Ormeau Avenue, Dublin Road, Bruce Street, Sandy Row and sections of the lower Ormeau Road. The work is to begin i
24/11/2017
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has lodged a formal objection to the proposed shopping and student accommodation complex in Ballymun, Dublin. Fianna Fail TD Paul McAuliffe said the decision by the NTA in the midst of a housing crisis is "entirely irresponsible and short-sighted". He said: "
24/11/2017
A library in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, has re-opened following extensive refurbishment work. Green Party representative Áine Groogan attended the official re-opening of the Victorian Library. She said: "The work and effort that has went into this project is commendable and I have no doubt that th
24/11/2017
Sinn Fein has slammed a decision to approve plans for a student accommodation complex to be developed in north Belfast. The Planning Appeals Commission, who previously refused planning for the development, overturned its decision and gave the go-ahead for the 10-storey building to be constructed on
24/11/2017
Labour is urging the government to take a new approach to tackling the housing crisis throughout Ireland. Homeless figures for November showed 5,298 adults and 3,194 children were homeless with 184 rough sleepers in November in Ireland. TD Joe Costello said: "Neither the Local Authority nor the Vo
24/11/2017
The government is being urged to provide additional funding to local authorities to develop more social homes. Sinn Fein made the call after it was revealed that the construction projects currently planned will only meet the housing need of 11% of the 99,555 households on the waiting list. Housing
24/11/2017
Sinn Fein is calling for work to develop a new wind turbine at a burial site in Co Down to stop immediately pending a public inquiry. The work is being carried out at Knock Iveagh Cairn burial site. Spokesperson on Energy, Environment and Climate Change Cathal Boylan said there are serious fears t
23/11/2017
Farrans Construction is to start work to replace old water mains in Sligo. The work, to replace of 2.7 kilometres on the N15 High Pressure Replacement Project, is to begin on Monday, 04 December and is expected to take around 10 weeks to complete. The programme will reduce the high level of leakag
23/11/2017
The Department of Infrastructure has given the go-ahead for a new Maritime Museum to be developed at Ebrington Square in Co L'Derry. SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan said the decision is "another piece in the Ebrington jigsaw". He said: "Before I established a Department of Environment North-West Head
23/11/2017
No new homes have been developed in Galway since 2016 despite thousands of people on housing waiting lists, according to a new report. Housing policy analyst and architect Mel Reynolds, who produced the report, also revealed that local authorities across the country are sitting on serviced land ban
23/11/2017
Significant damage has been caused to a number of homes after flash flooding in Mountmellick, Co Laois, on Wednesday night, 22 November. The Defence Forces have been called in to deal with the clean-up. Sinn Fein MLA Brian Stanley called for infrastructural work to be carried out immediately. He
23/11/2017
Fianna Fáil has hit out at the government for significantly reducing funds provided to local authorities to ensure rental accommodation is maintained at acceptable living standards. TD John Curran revealed that funding for local authorities to carry out inspections dropped from €2.4 million in 2012
23/11/2017
An SDLP Councillor is to meet with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) to discuss unreasonable temporary housing being offered to homeless families in Northern Ireland. Councillor Paul McCusker was speaking after a young mother with children contacted him and told him she had been offered
23/11/2017
Quinn Automatic has started refurbishment work on a wastewater pumping station in Newry. The work on the station, located on the Newry Road, started today, 23 November, and is expected to take a week to complete. A large mobile crane will be used to carry out the work and it will be located within
23/11/2017
The Participation and the Practice of Rights (PPR) Project has called for a decision for a retail-only development in north Belfast to be reversed. Belfast City Council's Planning Committee recently approved proposals for the development to be located on the Hillview site. Sinn Féin housing spokes
21/11/2017
Work has started on a new solar farm in south Antrim. The £7 million scheme will supply electricity to NI Water's Dunmore Water Treatment works. The work is taking place on a 33-acre site on the eastern shore of Lough Neagh and when completed will produce a peak output of 4.99 megawatts and is exp
21/11/2017
Farrans Construction has been appointed to replace old water mains in Leitrim. The project is part of Irish Water's National Leakage Reduction Programme. The firm is to begin work on the Mount Campbell Water Main Replacement project on Monday, 27 November, and it is expected to take around 15 week
21/11/2017
The creative studio is specifically designed for contractors, architects and interior designers in Ireland, focused on bringing together the most innovative companies and products all into one space. With over 30 exhibitors attending in various fields including lighting, furniture, flooring, surfa
21/11/2017
The Housing Minister has been accused of being "out of his depth" in tackling the homelessness issue across Ireland. Sinn Fein described the latest homeless figures in south Dublin as "alarming", after it was revealed that at the end of October there were 459 households including 199 families in em
21/11/2017
NI Water has launched its new winter campaign. At the launch, the firm also also introduced its new 'water drop' character, Flo. Sara Venning, NI Water's Chief Executive, said: "NI Water is delighted to once again launch our winter campaign in partnership with a whole range of organisations, incl
21/11/2017
Gardaí in Sligo are refusing to work in the Pearse Road station due to building being unsafe. A new station was sanctioned by the government in 2015, however no progress has been made on the new development. Fianna Fáil TD for Sligo-Leitrim Marc Mac Sharry said it is a "complete disgrace that hard
21/11/2017
The Housing Minister is being urged to ensure that the new affordable housing scheme is "adequately funded". Minister Eoghan Murphy is due to launch the final details of the scheme in the coming weeks. Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson, Eoin Ó Broin, said the principles of the scheme are good. He sa
21/11/2017
Work is to begin on a road resurfacing project in Co Down. The £200,000 scheme will take place on the C554 Aghascrebagh Road and the C554 Broughderg Road in Greencastle. The work is to start on Monday, 27 November, and is expected to be completed by Friday, 15 December. The resurfacing works will
21/11/2017
Fianna Fail has slammed the government over its failure to make compensation payments to farmers affected by floods in Donegal last August. Agriculture spokesperson and TD for Donegal Charlie McConalogue said not one payment has been made to date. The closing dates for applications was the end of
21/11/2017
Sinn Fein has slammed the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) for failing to reduce the demand for social homes. The party's housing spokesperson Carál Ni Chuilin MLA hit out after an Audit Office report revealed there has been a 32% increase in the number of households designated as statutor
20/11/2017
Work is almost complete on a €215,000 scheme to replace old water mains in west Cork. The 1km section of main being replaced on Sherkin Island has burst several times in the past year. The project will replace the aging mains and service connections with modern plastic water mains. Paul Cremin, C
20/11/2017
Labour has hit out at the government over the delay in the introduction of a rent deposit protection scheme. Community Affairs spokesperson, Cllr Andrew Montague, said Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy announced that it is to be put back until 2019. Cllr Montague said: "This is a hugely disappointing
20/11/2017
A County Antrim firm has scooped a prestigious award at Innovate 2017 in Birmingham. Environmental Street Furniture (ESF) was awarded the Product of the Show Award for its new 'Stellar Bench'. The award recognises the best showcased product as voted by exhibitors and delegates attending the exhibi
20/11/2017
Sinn Féin has slammed Eirgrid for dismissing concerns raised over the development of the North-South interconnector. MEP Matt Carthy once again called for the proposed North-South Interconnector to be routed underground. He said: "At the National Control Centre of Elia, the delegation learned of t
20/11/2017
Five firms in Northern Ireland are to create over 30 new posts with support from Invest NI. Struct Steel Engineering, Curran Gas Limited and Greentown Traffic Management from Fermanagh and Omagh-based companies New Generation Agri and Oran Oak Engineering, operate in the manufacturing, engineering
20/11/2017
A new community development has opened in west Belfast. The community facility, on the grounds of Christ The Redeemer Church in the Lagmore area, will be home to the Lagmore Community Forum. The building will also provide space for a number of other local groups, including youth services, Sure Sta
20/11/2017
GMC Utilities is to start work on a project to remove old lead pipes connecting properties in Dundalk to improve the supply of drinking water. In homes built before the 1970's, it was common practice for the water supply pipes to be made from lead. The work will firstly involve site investigations
20/11/2017
The Housing Minister is finally realising the extent of the homelessness crisis, Sinn Fein has said. Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD made the statement following Minister Eoghan Murphy's comments on the Week in Politics. Mr Ó Broin TD said: "On Budget Day, you had Minister Murphy announced €1
20/11/2017
The Taoiseach's dismissive attitude to the seriousness of homelessness issue throughout Ireland has been described as "shameful". Sinn Fein has called on the government to do more to tackle child homelessness after it was revealed that the number of homeless children has exceeded 3,000 for the firs
20/11/2017
The government has once again been called to "get to grips" with the homelessness crisis throughout Ireland. Labour made the call after a report by Focus Ireland revealed the devastating impact homelessness can have on children and families. Spokesperson on Housing, Jan O'Sullivan TD, said "urgent
17/11/2017
A housing charity has partnered with AIB to provide up to 190 social homes throughout Ireland. Túath Housing Association are acquiring homes from the State's Housing Agency and letting them to families on housing waiting lists. Túath is refurbishing the homes with the cost of the works being added
17/11/2017
A construction firm in Tyrone has scooped a £1 million replacement deal to carry out work at a college in Co Down. Western Building Systems will replace a number of modular classrooms at New-Bridge Integrated College. The firm will replace the existing modular blocks on site with five leading-edge
17/11/2017
Limerick City and County Council has borrowed €85 million from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to transform a site in the city centre. The 1.62-hectare Opera Site will be transformed into one of the country's top urban commercial/office developments, with the capacity for 3,000 jobs. This is th
17/11/2017
Sinn Fein has called on the government to rectify the errors in the current forestry programme. The programme is currently being reviewed and Sinn Fein would like to see more focus on hardwood and native species. The party's spokesperson on Agriculture Food and Marine Martin Kenny TD said: "It is
17/11/2017
Labour has hit out at the government for not providing any additional money to develop council homes throughout Ireland. Councillor Niall McNelis said the government is failing to tackle the housing crisis in a "meaningful way" and said no plans have been put forward to bring in an affordable housi
17/11/2017
The Housing Minister has been slammed for failing to meet the highest standards in wastewater treatment in Ireland. Sinn Fein MEP Liadh Ní Riada has called on Minister Eoghan Murphy to explore avenues of funding that he and the Government avail of to upgrade Ireland's water system and protect the p
17/11/2017
Response Engineering Ltd has started upgrade work on a wastewater treatment plant in Galway. Irish Water is investing €5million in the project to improve the Athenry Wastewater Treatment Plant. The upgrade will also increase the capacity of the plant from the current 6,000 population equivalent to
17/11/2017
The creative studio is specifically designed for contractors, architects and interior designers in Ireland, focused on bringing together the most innovative companies and products all into one space. With over 30 exhibitors attending in various fields including lighting, furniture, flooring, surfa
16/11/2017
Veolia has completed work to improve the Rathmullen Water Treatment Plant in Donegal. Irish Water invested €0.5 million in the project which included building a multi-flow clarifier, a sludge storage facility as well as providing new chemical storage and associated site works. Veolia completed the
16/11/2017
Wicklow residents in mortgage difficulties are being urged to contact a new voluntary housing body which aims to keep families in their homes. Fianna Fail claims iCare, founded by David Hall, will end years of financial stress for families and help them ebuild their own financial stability and secu
16/11/2017
Ireland's climate change records have been described as "horrendous" by Sinn Fein. Ireland ranked the worst performing European country in relation to climate change. The analysis was carried out by Germanwatch and the NewClimate Institute. The party's spokesperson on Climate Action Brian Stanley
16/11/2017
70% of adults in Ireland would prefer to power their home with renewable energy over fossil fuels, according to a new survey. The data published by the Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA) also revealed that 84% are in favour of wind power in Ireland. The survey was carried out by Interactions in
16/11/2017
Fianna Fáil has slammed a number of lenders over the low amount of compensation they are offering customers affected by the tracker mortgage scandal. The party's finance spokesperson, Michael McGrath, said he was "not satisfied" with the compensation as it did not reflect the harm caused to people'
16/11/2017
The Taoiseach has once again been called to retract comments he made over homelessness in Ireland. Mr Leo Varadkar claimed Ireland has a low rate of homelessness by international standards. Sinn Féin housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD called on the Taoiseach to withdraw the comments which were a
16/11/2017
The rise in rental prices is affecting all ages, all demographics and all incomes, according to Fianna Fail. TD John Lahart made the statement after a Daft.ie report revealed a 12.3% increase in the average cost of rent for a one bed apartment. He said: "There are currently 3,000+ children who are
16/11/2017
Tractors will not have to undergo MOT tests, the Department for Infrastructure has confirmed. The Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) welcomed the announcement after raising concerns over reports that Fastrac type tractors, often used by contractors, would face MOTs if they were used at all on public roads.
16/11/2017
The Housing Minister has been slammed for failing to clarify the amount of units of accommodation that have been developed in Ireland this year. Fianna Fail Deputy Barry Cowen said he found it "extraordinary" that Minister Eoghan Murphy could not provide straight answers on the volume of actual hom
15/11/2017
Work to upgrade and improve over 150 social homes in Belfast is continuing. The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) is investing around £1 million in the two-phase scheme based in the Shankill area. Phase one has been completed and phase two is expected to be finished in early 2018. NIHE's
15/11/2017
The Green Party has accused the government of "doing nothing" to tackle climate change in Ireland. Leader Eamon Ryan TD hit out after it was revealed that Ireland ranked the worst performing European country in relation to climate change. The analysis was carried out by Germanwatch and the NewClim
15/11/2017
Construction work has started on a sewerage improvement project in Co Armagh. The work, on the Killylea Road, includes the development of a new sewerage pumping main from the existing Wastewater Pumping Station on the Killylea Road to the Friary Road. NI Water has discussed traffic arrangements wi
15/11/2017
Resurfacing work is to start on a £145,000 carriageway scheme in Moneymore, Co L'Derry. The work on Loup Road is to start on Monday, 27 November, and is expected to be completed by Friday, 08 December. The works will extend for a distance of approximately 1.2 kilometres from its junction with Ball
15/11/2017
Labour has claimed there is more than enough land in Ireland to "get to grips" with the current homeless crisis. The party's housing spokesperson, Jan O'Sullivan, called on the government to "pick up the slack" from where the private sector has failed. She made the announcement after the latest ES
15/11/2017
The Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment has been called to apologise for the "wholly inadequate response of the Irish government to the existential threat that is climate change". Fianna Fail said Minister Denis Naughten's announcement to allocate €2.5 million to the Green C
15/11/2017
Ireland's first floating hotel has been given the green light in Cork City, according to a new study by Savills Ireland. The 96-bed 'floatel' My Story MV is to be situated at Penrose Quay. Seven new builds and four extensions to existing hotels are at various stages of planning and if half were se
15/11/2017
The McAvoy Group based in Northern Ireland has craned the final modules into position on site at the new Concordia Academy in Romford near London for a new £8.2 million building to accommodate 630 primary school children. The structure for the 2972m2 free school was manufactured offsite by McAvoy a
15/11/2017
Irish energy firm ESB has opened a new office in Scotland. The firm said it will continue to develop high quality renewable energy generation projects in Scotland from its office based on George street in Glasgow. The energy company has earmarked 800MW of clean electricity generation in Scotland,
15/11/2017
Farrans Construction is to start work to improve the water supply infrastructure in Cookstown. The work, on the Princess Avenue and Lissan Drive areas, is expected to begin on the 27 November and will continue for approximately six weeks. Watermains will be upgraded to improve the quality, reliabi
14/11/2017
Coffey Northumbrian Limited has been appointed to replace around 100 old lead service pipes with modern high density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic pipes at a number of locations in Tullow, Co Carlow. The project is part of Irish Water's National Leakage Reduction Programme which represents an investm
14/11/2017
The current government housing policy has been described as a "massive failure, by Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams. Mr Adams urged Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy to take urgent action over tackling the rent crisis. He made the call after Daft.ie figures revealed rents in Ireland have reached a new
14/11/2017
Fianna Fail has slammed the Taoiseach over claims he made that Ireland has a low rate of homelessness by international standards. However, the party's spokesperson on housing Barry Cowen TD said recent figures revealed almost seven per 1,000 households in Ireland are living in temporary homeless ac
14/11/2017
Fine Gael has announced that the party is doing "everything possible" to address the homeless crisis in Ireland. TD Maria Bailey called on all political parties to work together to help solve the crisis after figures produced by Fianna Fáil's Barry Cowen comparing Irish and English homeless figures
14/11/2017
A housing association in Northern Ireland has invested £530,000 in two refurbishment projects. Clanmil Housing has completed work at its independent living schemes in Abercorn Court in Portrush and Barbour Court in Enniskillen. The project included cleaning and repainting the outside of the buildi
14/11/2017
Sinn Fein is to propose a Bill to revolutionise the way that courts handle cases such as the tracker mortgage scandal. The Bill proposed by Justice spokesperson Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire would allow collective lawsuits to be taken in instances of wrongdoing. It is to be voted on by all Deputies in the
14/11/2017
A construction company in Dungannon has scooped a prestious award. The McAvoy Group won a major industry award for its commitment to adopting and implementing digital construction technology in its offsite construction projects. McAvoy was presented with the award for 'Best Virtual Reality BIM' at
14/11/2017
IBM has officially opened a new Digital Delivery Centre in Dublin. The global cloud platform and cognitive solutions company also confirmed it is to create up to 150 new posts over the next two years. The new IBM Digital Delivery Centre will provide clients with leading design and implementation s
14/11/2017
Irish Water has ordered almost 60 new vans operating in Limerick. The firm confirmed it is investing €1.3million to upgrade the fleet of water services vans to improve customer service. A total of 59 new vans will come into service to replace the existing fleet of vehicles currently operating in t
14/11/2017
A report by the The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESTI) has predicted a 20% increase in house prices over the next three years. Sinn Fein Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD said the report makes for "grim reading", and urged the government to invest directly in the supply of affordable
13/11/2017
Upgrade work to a water treatment plant in Donegal has been completed. Customers in the Cashelard area will not get an improved water supply after Irish Water invested €150,000 in the project. The scheme included the provision of an additional treatment process to the existing plant to improve the
13/11/2017
A major international conference to raise awareness of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and new digital technologies in the architecture, engineering and construction is to take place in Belfast. Jon Briggs, broadcast journalist and the original UK voice of Siri, is to host Digital Construction
13/11/2017
Over €58,000 has been granted for works to be carried out to relocate electricity cables in Donegal following health and safety concerns. The cables are situated close to a helipad which has been developed in Toraigh. Minister of State for the Irish Language, the Gaeltacht and the Islands, Joe McH
13/11/2017
The Green Party has set a target for 75% of all electricity to come from renewable power supplies by 2030. The party made the announcement as part of its submission to the consultation on the new renewable energy support scheme. Leader Eamon Ryan TD also urged the government to become climate acti
13/11/2017
Labour has slammed Fine Gael for refusing to help protect the most vulnerable tenants in Ireland's private rental market. The party's Community Affairs spokesperson, Cllr Andrew Montague, called for the law to be changed so that landlords can only seek up to one months rent as a deposit. The law
13/11/2017
Road projects in Ireland are being delayed because there is a lack of urgency urgency in progressing upgrades and improvement works, Fianna Fail has claimed. Spokesperson on Regional, Rural, Gaeltacht & Island Affairs and TD for Galway West Éamon Ó Cuív hit out at Transport Minister Shane Ross afte
13/11/2017
The Taoiseach has been accused of "making light" of the homelessness crisis in Ireland. Sinn Féin housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD urged Leo Varadkar to retract his comments after making an inaccurate claim that Ireland has low levels of homelessness when compared on an international level. He
13/11/2017
Serious concerns have been raised over the number of vacant council homes in Ireland. Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy has been called to confirm the "real number" of vacant house after he claimed that 8,512 council voids were returned to stock between 2014 and 2017, however a 2016 report by the Nati
13/11/2017
The Minister for Justice has been called to establish a public consultation on 'Gazumping', a process which leaves a prospective house buyer out of pocket and without a new home. Gazumping refers to a sale agreed situation being abandoned when a higher bid is received regardless of how far advanced
13/11/2017
Energy provider Pinergy has announced a price increase of 5.6%. The rise is to come into effect on 01 December 2017. It is based on a domestic customer using typical consumption of 4,200 kWh per annum on a 24 hour standard tariff. The price increases are the first implemented by Pinergy since Ja
10/11/2017
Mallwood Ltd has completed upgrade work to improve the water supply network in Co Waterford. Residents of Aglish, Glencairn and Monaman can now benefit from a more reliable and secure water supply. Irish Water invested €1.2million in the scheme which involved the installation of 11km of new water
10/11/2017
Serious concerns have been raised over landlords abusing legislation to evict tenants. Sinn Fein has written to Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy urging him to review the Residential Tenancies Act that allows landlords to cite "substantial refurbishment" as a reason to issue a notice to quit. The par
10/11/2017
Repair work to a burst watermain in Co Longford has been completed. Water supply to a number of Irish Water consumers in Ballykeeran, Glasson, Mount Temple, Ories and Annagh has been restored. The burst water main on the Ballymahon Road was repaired on Tuesday, 07 November, and the water levels in
10/11/2017
Construction work has started on a £4million project to improve a 19th century waterway in Belfast. A new Lagan Gateway is to be created and the aim is to reopen a waterway built in the 1800's to connect Belfast and Lough Neagh. The scheme is being funded by the Belfast City Council, the Departmen
10/11/2017
Theravance Biopharma has officially opened a new corporate office in Dublin. The firm is planning to hire 30 highly-skilled professionals over the next two years in in areas such as clinical development, finance, and technical operations. Rick E Winningham, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, sa
10/11/2017
A total of 320,000 litres of treated water which had been lost to leakage every day in Co Wexford is now being saved, Irish Water has confirmed. The firm invested €926,000 in a project to replace over 7km of old water mains at a number of places in the area. A total of 3.25km of water mains have b
10/11/2017
The public deserves to know the truth in relation to the botched Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme, according to the UUP. The independent public inquiry into the green energy scheme got underway on Tuesday, 07 November. Sir Patrick Coghlin, a retired appeal court judge, opened the inquiry. Th
10/11/2017
The Green Party has slammed Fianna Fail for supporting the "destructive" Heritage Bill. Deputy Leader Catherine Martin said the party's decision was "hugely disappointing". She said: "They had an opportunity to hold this Government to account, an opportunity to safeguard and protect the future of
10/11/2017
Sinn Fein has slammed Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy over his failure to address the rental crisis in Ireland. TD for Louth and East Meath, Imelda Munster, called on the Minister to take action immediately as thousands of tenants are currently living in "grossly substandard accommodation". She als
10/11/2017
The Bank of Ireland (BoI) has announced that an additional 6,000 tracker cases will be included in the compensation and redress scheme. Sinn Fein Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty welcomed the announcement and called on more pressure to be applied to the Ulster Bank to accelerate its scheme and o
09/11/2017
GMC Utilities Group has been appointed by Irish Water to carry out a watermains project in Swords, Dublin. The firm was selected to replace 5km of watermains, which was laid in 1970, between Cooks Road and Forest Road south of Swords, along Forest Road to the junction with the Dublin Road / Main St
09/11/2017
Work on a new changing pavilion has been completed in Poleglass, Belfast. A total of £709,000 was invested in the new facility at the Sally Gardens Sports Zone. The development is a partnership between the Department for Communities, Belfast City Council and Poleglass Community Association. The n
09/11/2017
A housing association in Northern Ireland has selected Budget Energy to supply its electricity for the next year. Choice Housing said the new contract is expected to result in savings of around £102,000 when prices are compared to regulated or average market electricity prices, with savings passed
09/11/2017
Social housing tenants are being urged to be "extra vigilant" when answering their doors to tradesmen. The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) is encouraging tenants to be "extra cautious". NIHE Belfast Regional Manager Jennifer Hawthorne said: "Tenants should be extra vigilant for bogus cal
09/11/2017
A motion calling on the government to improve standards in the private rented sector in Ireland has been passed. The Sinn Fein motion called on the government to bring forward measures to ensure compliance with minimum standard regulations. The party's Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD said: "P
09/11/2017
The SDLP has described the botched Renewable Heat Incentive scheme in Northern Ireland as "the biggest financial scandal in the history of devolution". Sir Patrick Coghlin, a retired appeal court judge, opened the inquiry into the RHI scheme on Tuesday, 07 November. An investigation by Spotlight r
09/11/2017
Sinn Féin has claimed Brexit will pose a "huge challenge" to the energy market in Ireland. MLA Cathal Boylan said Brexit will undermine energy production on the island. He said: "Changes to any of these elements of the energy market has the potential to affect every single local household. "A ha
09/11/2017
Planning permission has been given the go-ahead to install a memorial plaque on a plinth-type structure at the top entrance of Foyleside Shopping Centre in Co L'Derry. The plaque is in memory of the late Derry City and Strabane District Council's tour guide Martin McCrossan who died suddenly in 201
08/11/2017
Contractors JO Hearty have replaced over 4km of watermains in Donegal. Irish Water invested over €970,000 in the project to install watermains in the Naran, Portnoo, Dungloe and Lettermacaward areas. The Portnoo Water Supply is on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Remedial Action List (R
08/11/2017
The SDLP has called for more to be invested in the transport infrastructure in Culmore, L'Derry. Councillor Angela Dobbins made the call and said with around 250 new homes planned for the area an upgrade in the roads infrastructure is needed. She said: "The culmore point road, in particular, is ve
08/11/2017
The Government has been called to "get tough on slum landlords". Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Bay North Denise Mitchell also called for increased funding and resources to allow local councils increase their inspection regimes. Deputy Mitchell said: "The under-supply of social and affordable housing, an
08/11/2017
MetLife has officially opened a new campus in Galway. The new Global Technology Campus represents a major investment in the digital initiatives that will help MetLife transform its customers experience around the globe. The opening of a further Global Technology Campus also continues MetLife's bro
08/11/2017
Spiralling rents and a major jump in house prices is making it unaffordable for people to get onto the property ladder, according to Labour. Housing spokesperson Jan O'Sullivan made the statement after the latest CSO figures revealed a 13% jump in house prices nationally over the past year. She al
08/11/2017
Sinn Féin has claimed the government has no plans to make homes "genuinely" more affordable to buy and to rent. The party's housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD called on the Taoiseach to outline what the government's definition of "affordable housing" is and to indicate how many genuinely affordab
08/11/2017
Belfast City Council is establishing a Masterplan to allow for the completion of the Gasworks site. The Northern Fringe site is considered as the significant last phase of the Gasworks site, having previously been safeguarded for a now abandoned road proposal. The plan, being brought forward in c
08/11/2017
Work has been completed on a new sports hall and drama studio at a college in Co Tyrone. The new facilities at the Integrated College in Dungannon have officially opened. Permanent Secretary for the Department of Education, Derek Baker, who attended the opening said: "It is clear from looking at t
08/11/2017
Wicklow County Council has welcomed plans for the development of a sports campus. Fianna Fail, who put together the proposals, said a new community sports campus would serve the entirety of north Wicklow. TD for Wicklow Stephen Donnelly said: "Sports clubs in the north of the county have been cryi
08/11/2017
Works to upgrade the sewer network along the Skerries Road in Rush, Dublin, has been completed ahead of schedule. The work will stop the flow of untreated sewage along the road in times of heavy rainfall. The road will reopen to traffic on Friday, 10 November at 10am and Dublin Bus services will
07/11/2017
Plans to upgrade the Mental Health Unit on the site of St Davnet's Campus in Monaghan have been given the go-ahead. Planning permission has been approved to proceed with the development of the site at Oriel House. The building which was formerly used as a residential unit for Older Persons will be
07/11/2017
Ward & Burke Ltd is continuing to work on a Water Mains and Sewer Rehabilitation project in Sligo. Over 65 per cent of the work has been completed which will benefit local homes and businesses. All of the pipe laying works are on target for completion by May 2018. The water main rehabilitation con
07/11/2017
The independent public inquiry into the botched green energy scheme is to get underway today, 07 November. Sir Patrick Coghlin, a retired appeal court judge, will open the inquiry into the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme. The scheme, which was aimed to encourage businesses to switch from fos
07/11/2017
Irish energy firm ESB has announced that Trinity College in Dublin has won its Inter-Colleges Challenge 2017. Four students from Trinity College will now represent their college and Ireland at the international engineering and commerce competition in Montreal. A total of 36 students from nine coll
07/11/2017
An Irish renewable energy firm has been given the green light to develop a £2 billion offshore windfarm in Scotland. Mainstream Renewable Power welcomed Supreme Court decision, rejecting RSPB Scotland's application for leave to appeal in its long-running challenge to a planning decision by Scottish
07/11/2017
An Irish energy firm is the fastest growing energy supplier for the second year running, according to new figures. A report by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) revealed that Energia is the fastest growing home energy supplier. In 2016 a net 32,000 households switched to Energia and
07/11/2017
Nominations for the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) 2018 awards, sponsored by Radius Housing, are now open. The awards recognise the achievements in housing and communities across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Nicola McCrudden, Director for CIH NI & ROI, said: "This is the hig
07/11/2017
A public consultation has launched on plans to improved how social homes are allocated in Northern Ireland. The Department of Communities is to host a number of events which will take place on: • 13 November at City Hotel, L'Derry from 10am – 1pm • 15 November at Omagh Enterprise Centre from 10am
07/11/2017
Fianna Fail has claimed the recommendation from the Citizens' Assembly to introduce a second carbon tax for farming is "seriously flawed". TD for Sligo-Leitrim Eamon Scanlon slammed the recommendation and said it could put the viability of small family farms at risk. He said: "This measure would p
07/11/2017
The Minister for Communications, Climate Change and the Environment is to imposed a 15c charge on disposable coffee cups to reduce waste. Minister Denis Naughten announced the plans today, 07 November. The Green Party said it was "happy" to accept the proposal as part of its Waste Reduction Bill 2
06/11/2017
Labour is calling for solar panels to be installed in schools across Ireland. Party Education spokesperson, Senator Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, said that the public sector can set the lead on reducing Ireland's emissions. He said: "One such proposal is to install solar panels on the roofs of schools right
06/11/2017
Sinn Fein is calling for "urgent action" to be taken to improve air pollution in Northern Ireland. The World Health Organisation revealed that the quality of air in Belfast, Armagh and L'Derry exceeded the recommended limit of safe exposure to particles, with Armagh's air quality level nearly as ba
06/11/2017
Water supply has been restored to all Irish Water customers in Stamullen in Co Meath and in Galway. Repair work has been completed after a number of bursts on a water main in Stamullen over the weekend. Work has also been finished to repair a burst water main which supplies the Tonabrocky reservoi
06/11/2017
Sinn Fein has said that if a tax on greenhouse gas emissions on agriculture was introduced, it would not have any effect on the overall levels of carbon emissions. Spokesperson for Agriculture, Food and Marine Martin Kenny TD described the recommendations of the Citizens Assembly as "ludicrous".
06/11/2017
New research has revealed solid fuel burning is a bigger threat to Ireland's air quality than emissions from vehicle exhausts. The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) latest air quality report states while Ireland did not exceed any legal EU limit values in 2016 for ambient air quality, the cou
06/11/2017
Sinn Fein has published a motion on standards in the private rented sector, after RTE Investigates revealed the poor standards people are living in. Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD said the motion will be debated during private members time in the Dáil on Tuesday, 07 November. Deputy Ó Broin
06/11/2017
Customers affected by the tracker mortgage scandal may be able to take a class action suit rather than them all taking action against banks. Labour is to introduce the Courts (Multi Party Actions) Bill 2017 in Dáil Éireann next week. TD for Longford/Westmeath Willie Penrose TD said: "Just a few sh
06/11/2017
A new bill has launched aimed at increasing the transparency in home buying bidding. Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Housing, Planning and Local Government, Barry Cowen TD unveiled The Property Services Regulatory Authority (Amendment) (Bidding Transparency) Bill 2017. It puts in place a 10-day statuto
03/11/2017
Graham Construction and Bam Ireland have been appointed to develop a new £57million maternity hospital at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. The joint venture will be delivered through Graham-Bam Healthcare Partnership. Located on the main Royal Victoria Hospital site next to the existing mat
03/11/2017
Upgrade works at a pumping station in Gartan, Co Donegal, are now complete. Irish Water invested €750,000 in the project which also included the development of 5km of new water main. The work will facilitate the connection of customers on the Churchill water supply to the more reliable and better
03/11/2017
Irish Water is currently working to repair a mechanical failure at the Swords Wastewater Treatment Plant in Dublin. The firm is working with a contractor and Fingal County Council to carry out the repairs. The mechanical failure impacts on the treatment process at the plant. It is anticipated that
03/11/2017
Potential suppliers are being urged to present their ideas, services or products to NI Water through its new innovation portal. NI Water recently launched the new portal on its website. It is designed to provide suppliers with easy access to NI Water with a central point of contact. Paul Harper, D
03/11/2017
A housing association in Northern Ireland invested approximately £2 million in energy upgrades in 2015/16. Choice Housing confirmed it has made significant investments to improve insulation, replace windows and doors and upgrade heating systems in social homes across NI. In a statement the firm s
03/11/2017
Triangle Housing Association in Northern Ireland has received a prestigious accolade at the UCIT Social Enterprise NI Awards. The company was named 'Best Housing Association' at the event in the Stormont Hotel in Belfast. Triangle was recognised for the tremendous contribution the association make
03/11/2017
A Community Energy (Co-Ownership) Bill 2017 has now been launched. The Bill, introduced by the Green Party, aims to empower local communities by giving them the option of buying up to 30% of a local renewable energy development. Green Party spokesperson for Energy, Gearóid Fitzgibbon, said the Bi
03/11/2017
Sinn Fein has called on the Housing Minister to make a commitment to increase resources and funding for local authority inspections on rental accommodation. The party made the call after an RTÉ Investigates programme revealed that tenants are often also subject to overcrowded conditions which poses
02/11/2017
Serious concerns have been raised after it was revealed Armagh was the worst city in Northern Ireland for air pollution. The Green Party called for "urgent action" to be taken. The World Health Organisation revealed that 44 out of 51 towns and cities across the UK had failed the test for fine soot
02/11/2017
The number of people waiting for council homes throughout Ireland has increased by 9% in a year. Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD said it is according to figures received under freedom of information. He said: "According to the data my office received on council housing waiting list
02/11/2017
Sinn Féin has slammed the Housing Minister over the delay in water charge refunds. Spokesperson on water Eoin Ó Broin blamed the delay in the publishing of legislation. He said: "When Minister Eoghan Murphy published this legislation on the 20th of September it was highly unlikely that his refund
02/11/2017
Fianna Fail is calling for a new NCT style test to tackle the problems in the private rented sector. Spokesperson on Housing, Planning and Local Government, Barry Cowen TD also called for Local Authorities to be strengthened and expanded. His call came after an RTE documentary highlighted serious
02/11/2017
The Taoiseach and Fianna Fail have been accused of "hiding" something for trying to push through the Water Services Bill 2017. Sinn Féin spokesperson on Water Eoin Ó Broin said Leo Varadkar is being disingenuous when he attacks Sinn Féin for allegedly delaying water charge refunds. Deputy Ó Broi
02/11/2017
Shandong Ruyi Investment Company is to acquire an advanced textiles business based in L'Derry. The firm said it is aiming to invest in Invista, which has a plant in Maydown Works. Sinn Féin MP Elisha McCallion has said staff should be kept informed about the details of the sale. She said: "The in
02/11/2017
Derry City and Strabane District Council has pledged to support Energy Savings Week 2017, 30 October to 05 November. The scheme aims to encourage the reduction of energy use in the home and the workplace. Energy Manager at Derry City and Strabane District Council, Leo Strawbridge said: "Taking act
02/11/2017
Vandals have broken into a wastewater pumping station in Ballymena. NI Water warned that the vandlaism acts at the Devenagh Burn Wastewater Pumping Station could cause serious harm. Peter Ferguson from NI Water said: "Those who broke into the site compound not only broke and cut the front entrance
01/11/2017
Smart energy provider Pinergy is to set up a new Energy Services division that is dedicated to providing both domestic and business customers with a range of energy efficient technology solutions. Pinergy has partnered with some of Ireland's most innovative energy technology providers that support
01/11/2017
A project by NI Water has scooped a prestigious award from the Construction Employers Federation (CEF). The project team for the Holywood Sewerage Infrastructure Improvement Project in Co Down won the 'Achieving Excellence in Partnering' award. The team incorporated NI Water, Geda, White Young Gre
01/11/2017
Northern Ireland firm Environmental Street Furniture (ESF) has announced it is to launch its Stellar Bench in Birmingham. The firm will unveil its versatile door bench which offers USB mobile device charging and utilises solar energy without the need for any electricity, at the Department for Inter
01/11/2017
The Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations (NIFHA) has selected a new deputy Chief Executive. Paul Armstrong will take up the role today, 01 November. He has worked for several housing associations before joining NIFHA as Practice Officer in 2015. Mr Armstrong will lead on welfare re
01/11/2017
A new website page has been unveiled to enable householders to receive water charge refunds. However, Irish Water said if a customer's address or personal details have not changed that they will not have to contact the firm to get their refund. Payments are being made by cheque. Head of Customer
01/11/2017
Over £294,000 funding has been secured to develop a new sand-based pitch as well as a 3G multi-activity space and a ball wall for the Loughgiel Shamrocks GAC in Co Antrim. Causeway Coast & Glens Council awarded the funding for the physical activity space. Sinn Fein Councillor Kieran Mulholland wel
01/11/2017
Sinn Féin has hit out at the Government after it failed to include Balbriggan in its Draft National Planning Framework. TD for Dublin Fingal Louise O'Reilly said the town "deserved inclusion as an urban centre" in the framework. She said: "Balbriggan's population is growing faster than the any oth
