Construction News

30/03/2010

'Magic Jug' Sculpture For Belfast

Belfast's build heritage has just received a fillip with news of a new public art installation.

NI Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie, has announced the commissioning of new public art, the 'Magic Jug', for Fountain Street in Belfast City Centre.

The Jug, which will stand five and a half metres tall, is based on an antique Irish water jug from around 1700, the time when George McCartney, Sovereign had Muny's well at Sandy Row diverted to supply water to the poor of Belfast at what is now called Fountain Street.

-- Advertisement --

The Triskelion, which is a symbol within the ancient megalithic art of Ireland, will be made from polished aluminium with a silvery reflective appearance, and will appear like water miraculously spouting from the jug. The Kingfisher at the top of the sculpture will be a dramatic accent at the top of the sculpture and act as a symbol of good fortune for the city and its bright future.

Minister Ritchie said: "This is a fascinating link between the rich history of old Belfast and the dynamic, attractive modern city centre that we are producing. Belfast city centre is well on its way to having a streetscape which compares highly with other regional capital cities across Europe. Public art plays a key pivotal role in that."

(NS/BMcC)

News Archive

Latest Construction News

20/10/2026

Kildare County Council Signs Contract For First...

Kildare County Council has appointed Donnelly Civil Engineering to deliver the first phase of Cherry Avenue Park in Kildare Town, marking a key step towards a new public amenity for local residents. The 17-acre site on Dublin Road previously formed part of the National Stud before the M7 motorway w

20/10/2026

MacBlair Opens Upgraded Downpatrick Branch

MacBlair has unveiled its newly upgraded Downpatrick branch, marking a new chapter for the Co. Down location, as it continues to service trade and retail customers. Serving customers since 2012, the Downpatrick branch has been supported by an experienced 14-strong team, many of whom have worked at

20/10/2026

MMD Construction Engages Future Talent At MTU A...

MMD Construction recently took part in careers fairs at Munster Technological University (MTU) and University College Cork (UCC), meeting students and graduates interested in building careers in the construction sector. The events offered the team the chance to connect with candidates from Engineer

20/10/2026

Bobcat E10z Micro Digger And Slanetrac Dumper D...

An all-new Bobcat E10z micro digger and a Slanetrac dumper have been delivered to Galway and are ready for work, Adare Machinery has confirmed. Key features of the compact E10z include: - 710mm-wide undercarriage - Joystick controls - 1.2 tonnes - Three-year warranty - Plus additional specific

20/10/2026

Keeping Solar Farms Running At Full Power

Solar installations are a growing part of Ireland's construction landscape, and keeping them performing well requires more than a one-off inspection. Drone as a Service gives construction and facilities teams a faster, safer way to monitor solar panel condition and performance throughout a project’s

20/10/2026

People’s Park Works Begin For £60m Portadown Fl...

Progress on the Portadown Flood Alleviation Scheme is continuing, with advance works to relocate NIE services starting on Monday 19 October 2026. The activities will take place in People's Park, Portadown, and include service diversion works to support Phase 1 of the project. Valued at £60m, the s

20/10/2026

Cranford To Gain More Reliable Water Supply

The Cranford community in Donegal is set to benefit from a steadier water supply as a major investment begins to replace more than a kilometre of ageing water mains. The scheme is part of Uisce Éireann's ongoing efforts to enhance water services across Donegal, cut leakage and strengthen network res

20/10/2026

Community Backing Steers Hotel And Mixed-Use Pl...

An emerging hotel- and mixed-use vision for the historic Armagh Gaol is being shaped by extensive engagement with local people and stakeholders, aiming to secure a sustainable long-term future for the site through a complementary blend of uses. The approach prioritises protection of the Gaol's uniq

20/10/2026

Derelict Property Tax To Revitalise Towns And R...

Fine Gael TDs said the newly introduced Derelict Property Tax will help bring long-empty buildings back into use and boost communities nationwide. Deputies John Clendennen and James Geoghegan welcomed the measure, noting that the Department of Finance's Finance Bill published today provides for a l

20/10/2026

BAM Joins Pagabo's Major Works 2026 Framework

BAM UK & Ireland has been selected by procurement specialist Pagabo as a supplier on its National Framework for Major Works 2026, which is designed to connect public sector organisations with approved contractors to deliver projects efficiently and cost-effectively. The four-year framework, valued