Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for August 2007
31/08/2007
Corporate finance firm CFI property has announced it is putting together a syndicate in order to buy a major shopping centre in Athlone for an estimated €345 million. It is understood the company is seeking to raise €100 million from investors along with Ulster Bank Wealth and the Sherry Fitzgerald
31/08/2007
Dublin-based bathroom furnishings company Qualceram Shires has announced it has sold its County Wicklow headquarters for €31 million. Brattice Properties, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ardawn Developments Two Plc has bought the 13-acre property in Arklow. It has been rezoned as a waterfront developm
31/08/2007
In the continuing drive to reduce energy consumption, a new initiative is being introduced to give builders and specifiers the assurance that components will make a positive contribution towards creating low impact buildings. The ‘Richmond Green’ concept has been developed by Richmond Building Prod
31/08/2007
A new housing development planned for Stepaside in County Dublin has been given the go-ahead. Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council has granted planning permission for Cavan builders P Elliott and Co to build a 749 unit development on the eastern side of Enniskerry Road, beside Aiken’s Village. Th
31/08/2007
Property developer Sean Dunne has announced he will lodge an application for permission to build a 37-storey tower in Ballsbridge, Dublin. The Mountbrook Homes head will lodge the application with Dublin City Council for the site of the former Jury’s Hotel in Ballsbridge. It is understood the diam
31/08/2007
The new terminal at Dublin Airport is unlikely to be completed before 2011, the Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey has said. An Bord Pleanala has given approval for a new terminal and runway to be built, after the Boards overruled its own inspector’s recommendation to refuse permission for the ru
31/08/2007
Specialist protective coatings contractor Pyeroy Group has had to overcome considerable logistical challenges in undertaking its latest contract – the repainting of one of Europe’s largest offshore wind farms. The company has recently been awarded a Euro 3 million contract for the coatings maintena
31/08/2007
Designers are being asked to come up with new ideas for Cork City’s waterfront in a ground-breaking competition to encourage top-quality street furniture design. The competition, sponsored by Frinailla Developments, is the brainchild of the organisers of the first ever Design Week in Cork, planned
31/08/2007
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has brought the safe operation of heavy goods vehicles into sharp focus following a successful prosecution brought against Tow Law-based W. E. & I. Wright Limited. The prosecution followed an investigation into an accident to an employee, who was seriously inju
30/08/2007
Dublin-based cement and building materials group has revealed it has bought the remaining 55 per cent of Cementbouw BV for an undisclosed sum. CRH said its investment in the Dutch trader, which specialises in cement and fly-ash, amounts to about 184 million euro following the buyout. The company a
30/08/2007
Culture Minister Edwin Poots has announced Barrie Todd MBE as Chair of Architecture and the Built Environment Advisory Group (MAG) for Northern Ireland. The Group, which includes a further eight appointed members, will champion design quality in all sectors of the built environment in the province
30/08/2007
Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has announced two further stages in the regeneration of Belfast City Centre today. A masterplan to look at the regeneration needs of the South West Shopping Quarter, including the important Castle Street route, were revealed. She also said that a regener
30/08/2007
Residents of west Belfast are protesting over plans to construct a six-storey apartment block on the former site of Andersonstown police station. The Department of Social Development (DSD) has appointed the Carvill Group as the developer to build 30 flats, a community facility and several shops. L
30/08/2007
Housing prices in Northern Ireland have risen by more than £200 per day, a new survey has revealed. The University of Ulster quarterly house price index also revealed the average home in the province costs more than £240,000. The study, which covers the period from April to June of this year, show
30/08/2007
Despite the current stabilisation of the housing market across Northern Ireland the Rental Market in east Belfast has never been stronger. The east Belfast office of lettings specialists Belvoir Lettings has recently come under the new management of Andrew Jack and Craig McCracken. The move represe
30/08/2007
Rally Ireland took over the grounds of Belfast's Parliament Buildings at Stormont recently to test the Creagh Precast Rally Bridge designed to add top class excitement to the opening of the event. The Creagh Rally Bridge received the thumbs up from Rally Ireland for the design and suitability of th
30/08/2007
Westlink will be closed in both directions between Broadway and Divis Street junctions on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 September. This is to allow for significant traffic management changes at Grosvenor Road which are to be implemented this weekend. These changes will take traffic under the new Grosveno
30/08/2007
A new exhibition at the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is set to provide a fascinating spotlight on the extraordinary architecture that makes New York such a vibrant city today. This heritage dates from its earliest days as a colonial 17th Century settlement, through phenomenal growth
29/08/2007
The regeneration of Derry's city centre took a step forward today with two significant announcements by Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie. During a visit to the city, the Minister announced that Newmarket Street and Linenhall Street are to receive a major upgrade costing £1million. Ms Ri
29/08/2007
The Department for Social Development (DSD) Minister Margaret Ritchie, yesterday launched a new publication to help urban centres in Northern Ireland develop regeneration. The DSD guide entitled 'Vital and Viable' contains practical and helpful advice on the different approaches that can be adopted
29/08/2007
Dublin company Pan Andean Resources has announced the successful drilling of an exploration well in the Gulf of Mexico. The exploration well is situated on Block High Island 52, off the coast of Texas in the Mexican Gulf. The well was drilled by the company's farm-in partner Phoenix Exploration, o
29/08/2007
The Minister for Environment, Arlene Foster, met with members of Newtownabbey Borough Council last week at Mossley Mill, to discuss the future development of the Council's headquarters. The Minister was given a presentation by the Council board, which included the Mayor of Newtownabbey Nigel Hamilt
29/08/2007
Up to 76 jobs are to be lost at east Belfast firm Scott ElectroMech following a down turn in business. Scott ElectroMech, formally known as Hugh J Scotts, are an electrical engineering company based on the Ravenhill Road and following a down turn in business they went into administration. Attempts
29/08/2007
Property firm Blackrock International Land has announced pre-tax profits of €12.2 million in its interim results for the six months to 30 June 2007. Blackrock made a total investment expenditure of €56.6 million in the period and €209.5 million since it was listed on the stock exchange. The compan
29/08/2007
John Gormley, Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, has announced the publication by his Department of the first two in a new Advice Series of booklets on the care and maintenance of older and historic buildings. These booklets entitled 'Maintenance – a guide to the care of o
29/08/2007
Three post-primary students from Co. Clare have won a competition to design an innovative but practical solution to lighten the load associated with carrying schoolbags. Engineers Ireland challenged students across the country to put engineering principles to the test in order to find a solution t
28/08/2007
The world’s second-biggest distributor of building materials, CRH Plc, has reported pre-tax profits of €670 million for the first half of 2007, an increase of 27 per cent. Earnings per share grew by 26 per cent and a higher interim dividend of 20 per cent was declared. Acquisitions and increased c
28/08/2007
A Fermanagh-based steel fabricator company is to be sold to a British firm for £90 million. North Yorkshire company Severfield-Rown PLC has agreed to buy Fisher Engineering, which is owned by brothers Ernie and Ivan Fisher. The company has also announced its 250 staff currently employed in Ballina
28/08/2007
International architecture and design company HKR Architects have announced they are submitting a planning application for the €600 million development of the Number One Ballsbridge project. The international practice, which has offices in Dublin, London, Belfast, Manchester, Prague and Sarasota, h
28/08/2007
The residents of Britain's millionaire's row - preferred address of the country's top soccer stars - are turning to an Ulster company to give their luxury homes a special finishing touch. Paving and walling manufacturing company Tobermore has been working at some of the UK's most exclusive addresse
28/08/2007
Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy has announced investment totalling £3.3 million is planned for the Antrim Borough Council area this year. Mr Murphy said: "The combined footway/cycleway on Staffordstown Road, Randalstown, which was started late in 2006/07, is nearing completion at a total
28/08/2007
Property developers Blackrock International have today reported pre-tax profits of 12.2 million euro for the first half of 2007. The company started operations in May of last year and its net assets have increased by 11.2 per cent. Blackrock spent 56.6 million euro during the period, and this invo
28/08/2007
A company has been given three months to rebuild a 19th Century convent which was demolished. Kimpton Vale and its principal Laurence Keegan were instructed by Dublin City Council the Presentation Convent in Terenure must be reconstructed by next November. The firm demolished the building two week
28/08/2007
Young people in Laurelvale are set to benefit from the development of a new £87,000 playground by Armagh City and District Council. The eagerly awaited facilities, funded by the Council, have been the culmination of several years of planning and consultation with the local community, after a survey
27/08/2007
A major 500 million euro investment, which will create 1,000 new jobs for Cork, has been unveiled. Following consultation with Cork County Council, Greencore revealed the masterplan at the former Irish Sugar plant. Its ambitious MallowWest plan will be the biggest single-site mixed use development
27/08/2007
Tuam-based firm JFC Manufacturing are offering a full supply and install service of HydroChamber, a stormwater management system designed to satisfy the requirements of engineers, architects, local authorities and contractors. HydroChamber is a cost-effective underground modular chamber system with
27/08/2007
Health and Safety Works NI (HSWNI), in partnership with the Engineering Training Council and EEF, the Manufacturers' Organisation (formerly the Engineering Employers' Federation EEF), is to run a series of safety awareness workshops for small engineering businesses to highlight the need to manage ce
27/08/2007
A new contra flow bus lane has been introduced in County Cork as part of the Cork City Council’s Transportation. One of the measure’s included in the Cork Area Strategic Plan (CASP), is the implementation of a Green Route Network to improve Public Transport in the greater Metropolitan Cork area. A
27/08/2007
Irish architectural hardware distributor, Avenco, has been sold to a British building materials group for 23 million euro. Heywood Williams, a specialist distributor of branded building products also owns Mila, the hardware, door and window fabricators in Ireland. Avenco has two principal operatin
27/08/2007
Knightsbridge Windows Ltd of Bangor has been fined £250 plus court costs after being convicted under the Trade Descriptions Act 1968 at Castlereagh Magistrates' Court on Friday 24 August. The case was brought by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment's Trading Standards Service (TSS), a
27/08/2007
Overall manufacturing prices have decreased by 1% in July, according to the latest survey published by the Central Statistics Office (CSO). The figures compare to an overall decrease of 0.1% recorded for the same period last year. As a result, the annual percentage change showed showed a decrease o
27/08/2007
Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, Plan Expo, Ireland’s international construction industry showcase, will be placing particular focus on sustainable building methods and renewable energy with an entire section dedicated to Eco Build. Attracting approximately 7,000 construction industry pr
24/08/2007
South Dublin county council recently launched public consultation on the development of the Clonburris area and the Liffey Valley centre. The plans set out planning frameworks for the future development of both areas in Dublin. The Clonburris scheme highlights improvements on public transport asse
24/08/2007
Belfast’s Titanic Quarter is set to be the location of a new state of the art Public Record Office, it has been revealed. Culture Minister Edwin Poots made the announcement today while visiting the new site, which is adjacent to the Gateway building at the entrance to the Titanic Quarter. The Mini
24/08/2007
An entire new college building has been built in an Ulster factory from scratch and delivered to its Dublin site, where it has been assembled like a giant lego set. County Tyrone company, Western Building Systems, who are specialists in off-site fast-track construction, built the Whitehall College
24/08/2007
Clare County Council will hold a public meeting next week to discuss regeneration plans for the future development of Ballyvaughan village. An introductory public meeting will take place on Wednesday 29 August, to discuss the preparation of a Village Design Statement at The Burren College of Art, N
24/08/2007
Hooke & MacDonald's latest commentary on the residential property market has suggested that there are encouraging signs of a pick-up in activity in the sector. The Dublin-based estate agents estimate that current supply levels are strong in the new homes market, with plenty of good value on offer t
24/08/2007
Minister Michelle Gildernew has championed renewable energy at a special open day in Cookstown, which was jointly organised between DARD and industry. The Renewables Open Day, which was held at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE)’s Loughry campus was planned by DARD in par
24/08/2007
Freefoam Plastics, manufacturers of environmentally friendly PVC roofline and rainwater products, has recently announced a significant increase in sales for the first six months of 2007, with turnover approaching €25m. The major reasons for the growth have been attributed to the introduction of new
24/08/2007
The Bank of Ireland Opus Architecture & Construction Awards 2007 has been launched with the introduction of two new award categories this year. Bank of Ireland have continued to lend their support and sponsorship to the awards, which were devised to reflect and reinforce the symbiotic relationship
23/08/2007
A multi-million urban renewal package for Dublin was revealed today. The scheme is reported to include social and affordable housing developments along with childcare facilities. According to the Independent, the package will also invest a 20 million euro budget to promote sport and leisure activi
23/08/2007
A Fermanagh-based steel fabricator company is to be sold to a British firm for £90 million. North Yorkshire company Severfield-Rown PLC has agreed to buy Fisher Engineering, which is owned by brothers Ernie and Ivan Fisher. Severfield-Rowan is expected to improve Fisher’s revenue and profit perfor
23/08/2007
Engineers Ireland has reiterated its call for the introduction of bonus Central Application Office (CAO) points for higher-level maths, in the wake of Ireland’s Leaving Cert results. Denis McGrath, Chartered Engineer and Engineers Ireland’s Registrar, said: “Maths is an essential course requirement
23/08/2007
Bangor solar heating systems firm Thermomax has been sold to the Irish construction company Kingspan. The company, which employs 185 people at its Bangor factory and a further 85 in Cardiff, went into administration in July following financial troubles. Kingspan revealed it would buy the company w
23/08/2007
ConstructionSkills has launched a new campaign in Northern Ireland to make the construction industry aware of how they can deliver sustainable services. The ‘Sustainable Construction is Your Business' initiative will take the form of a poster campaign, which aims to foster greater awareness of acti
23/08/2007
A new jobs survey released for July has revealed employment expectations in the construction sector has hit an all-time low. The FAS/ESRI report also showed that vacancies last month increased by five percentage points to 17 per cent. Vacancies in the construction sector rose two percentage points
23/08/2007
A Shannon-based company has announced it is set to close, leaving 92 people without jobs. The company, Mohawk Europa was formed in 1963 and was involved in producing cutting tools. It recently sustained losses over the last few months as a result of a strong Euro and higher production costs. It is
23/08/2007
The Quinn Group has announced its decision to close its packaging plant in County Kildare, resulting in the loss of 41 jobs. The Newbridge plant has been in operation since 1987 and became part of the company in May 2004 following its acquisition of the Barlo Group plc. It is understood it will c
22/08/2007
Three major Northern Ireland companies have reported that using Vehicle Tracking from Fleet Efficient is saving their businesses real time and money. Fast-growing vehicle tracking specialist, Fleet Efficient, has recently secured contracts with Coca Cola (NI Bottlers LTD), Mulgrew Haulage and Resou
22/08/2007
An Bord Pleanála has given the green light for work to start on the National Monument at Lismullen in County Meath. The monument lies on the path of the M3 motorway. The National Monument at Lismullen, close to the Hill of Tara, consists of two circular enclosures - the largest being 80m in diamete
22/08/2007
Plans are currently being drawn up to develop quality bus lanes running alongside traffic at Dublin’s Phoenix Park. The Quality Bus Network (QBN) project office, established by local authorities in the Dublin area, is preparing the concept design and evaluating a variety of options for bus lanes th
22/08/2007
Property developers and estate agents keen to hear more about World Trade Centre Belfast are being invited to a lunchtime presentation on Friday 7 September. Belfast City Council announced its ambitions to deliver a World Trade Centre were announced at an international conference held in Belfast in
22/08/2007
A University of Ulster property expert has been sharing the findings of his cutting-edge research at a prestigious event hosted by the Prince’s Foundation. Professor Stanley McGreal, from the University’s Built Environment Research Institute, was a speaker at ‘Investing in Place’, held at Highgrove
22/08/2007
Northern Ireland Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie, visited Portrush yesterday to lend her support to ambitious plans to transform the North coast resort. Ms Ritchie said: “Coleraine Borough Council and the Portrush Regeneration group have produced an exciting vision to regenerate the W
22/08/2007
A fuel company has been fined £500 plus costs at Belfast Magistrates Court, following a pollution incident in Belfast Harbour. The incident was discovered at Hayes Fuels, off Pomeroy Road, Dungannon, County Tyrone, on 21 September 2006. An inspection was made by an officer from Environment and Her
22/08/2007
Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has announced funding to help develop a strategy to regenerate Ballycastle. During a visit to the North coast resort yesterday, the Minister said: “Ballycastle is one of the main resort towns in Northern Ireland. It attracts large numbers of visitors thr
21/08/2007
A luxury £20 million hotel is hoping to create more than 100 jobs in Belfast's city centre. The new Fitzwilliam Hotel will be built on Great Victoria Street, next to the Grand Opera House. The hotel will have more than 130 luxury rooms and is being planned as a five-star, which will make it the se
21/08/2007
Clare County Council recently announced that up to 10,000 vehicles per day are expected to use section two of the N18 Ennis bypass project, which opened to traffic on August 9. The 5km single carriageway, which forms part of the N85 western relief road, runs from Clareabbey to Claureen and opens a
21/08/2007
Terex Finlay, an Omagh based manufacturing company, have saved £1.2 million by supporting a major training initiative in Northern Ireland. Founded by John Finlay nearly 50 years ago, Terex Finlay exports to over 80 countries, has an annual turnover in excess of £75m and has one of the leading engin
21/08/2007
Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie today visited Antrim to announce plans for a £90,000 blueprint to revitalise the town centre. During her visit, the Minister also met local politicians and business people and viewed a number of key sites in the town. Ms Ritchie said: “Antrim is an hist
21/08/2007
FM Environmental, the Newry-based specialist in wastewater management, is to help caterers in the state-of-the-art Terminal 3 at Changi International Airport, Singapore to eliminate grease pollution. The company is to supply 22 of its leading-edge Grease Guardian machines, worth around £100,000, to
21/08/2007
Engineers Ireland recently appointed John Power, Chartered Engineer and Head of Corporate Affairs at ESB, as its new Director General. He takes up the position on September 3rd and succeeds Kevin Kernan. A qualified electrical engineer, Mr Power was previously Managing Director of ESBI Consultant
21/08/2007
Established in 2000, Garden Force is fast becoming a name to be reckoned with in the landscaping sector, offering a full range of services to both public and private clients. With a centrally-based depot and yard on the Carniny Road, Ballymena, Garden Force are on hand to tackle any type of project
21/08/2007
Established in 2006, Ryan Fay Tractors has quickly become the company to turn to for new and used tractors, parts and service - and expert advice on what will best suit your needs. Based just outside Dungannon, in County Tyrone, Ryan Fay Tractors can supply machines throughout Ireland, along with t
20/08/2007
Bord Gáis has announced its appointment of a GE/GAMA consortium to build its new electricity power generation plant at Whitegate in Cork. Construction is scheduled to start in October 2007, with up to 300 people to be employed locally during the project. The plant is expected to start operating in
20/08/2007
Siginficant progress is being made towards reinstating access at Collinbridge, adjacent to the M2, Belfast. Part of the Collinbridge Road collapsed last weekend during persistent heavy rain. On Thursday night Roads Service’s contractor, HMC, installed a temporary footbridge over the motorway to mai
20/08/2007
Providence, the AIM (London) and IEX (Dublin) listed oil & gas exploration and production company, has announced it has started its drilling of the Hook Head appraisal well. The well is located off the south coast of Ireland, in the North Celtic Sea Basin, in Standard Exploration Licence 2/07. U
20/08/2007
Allied Irish Bank (AIB) says indicators continue to point to a significant downturn in Irish construction activity. The findings were published as part of the AIB's Housing Market Bulletin for August 2007. The latest data reveals house guarantee restrictions are down 35% year-on-year for the firs
20/08/2007
Irish company Donseed and Bioscrypt, a leading provider of enterprise access control based in Toronto, have announced the availability of a biometrically enabled mobile workplace management solution (WMS) that uses mobile technology for construction sites. Donseed, based in Tralee, Co Kerry, provid
20/08/2007
The web is having a significant and positive impact on the fortunes of builders, according to a new study. The research by thebestof, a national network of local marketing websites, shows that small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) plan to grow their businesses by on average 38% in the coming yea
20/08/2007
Abbott Ireland Pharmaceutical Operations (AIPO) in Sligo, has become the first organisation in the northwest of Ireland to have its training and development systems for its engineering professionals formally Accredited by Engineers Ireland. AIPO was established in 2002, designed specifically to man
20/08/2007
The property website Daft.ie’s latest rental report shows house rents have hit a new all-time-high. The report shows that over the last year, rents have increased by 11.9% and the rent inflation is now at its highest level since the Daft Report was started in 2002. The average rent nationwide now
17/08/2007
Cavan-based construction group P Elliott have announced they have applied for planning permission to redevelop the Irish Times site in Dublin city centre. It is understood the development will involve a 70 million euro investment. The block includes 8-16 D’Olier Street and 24-27 Fleet Street with
17/08/2007
Details of a major £50 million capital investment into the health infrastructure in the south east has been revealed. Plans were confirmed yesterday at a Board meeting of the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, where Health Minister Michael McGimpsey met with the Trust Board members. The £
17/08/2007
Residents and groups from across Armagh City and District are being urged to make their voice heard on the future of the Palace Demesne. The current space, which is home to the Council offices, is set for a multi-million pound transformation, and will be developed into Northern Ireland’s newest cit
17/08/2007
CEM Systems has announced that it has partnered with systems integrator ADT to supply a highly secure, fully integrated solution for the new £16.8m Woodlands Juvenile Justice Centre in Bangor, Northern Ireland. To create a secure environment, ADT installed a CEM AC2000 SE (Standard Edition) securi
17/08/2007
The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) and the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) are to co-host a lecture by world-renowned Japanese architect, Tadao Ando. The event, which will take place on Sunday 23 September at the O’ Reilly Hall, UCD, is sponsored by the Kerlin Gallery and the
17/08/2007
Irish Waste Services Limited, the leading waste management company in Northern Ireland, is delighted to announce the installation of a state-of-the-art sludge drying plant at its treatment facility in Belfast. This bespoke sludge dryer is unique to the Irish waste management market as it offers an
17/08/2007
The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has launched publications for both employers and employees as a guide to working in the local construction industry, in response to the increasing number of workers who have moved to Northern Ireland from abroad. Like many other industries, construct
17/08/2007
Woodlock Joinery, an Omagh based joinery company, are to save £250,000 by focusing on continuous improvement. Woodlock Joinery manufactures uniquely designed timber window and door sets for the UK and Irish markets, serving both the trade sector and general public. Invest NI has provided support t
16/08/2007
Topglass Contracts have recently moved into new purpose-built premises in Toomebridge, Co Antrim. Their new state-of-the-art showroom demonstrates the array of products and design methods available to both the domestic and commercial markets. Fifteen years on, with a team of 35 staff, the compan
16/08/2007
The construction of a new Sheraton Hotel in Athlone, Dublin is to create 250 jobs, it has been revealed. The 12-storey hotel will be built as part of the 500 million euro Athlone Town Centre redevelopment project. It is backed by Kerry-born property developer John O’Sullivan and his family. Mr O’S
16/08/2007
A new report by NCB Stockbrokers argues that Ireland's favourable demographic profile will benefit the country's economy over the next 15 years. The report - called 2020 Vision - says the population of the Republic will grow by 30% to over 5.3 million by 2020, and to six million by 2050. It says im
16/08/2007
Following a recent Health and Safety Authority investigation of a hot-water boiler explosion, which occurred while the unit was being installed as part of a heating system, the Authority has highlighted the importance of proper isolation and lock-out procedures when commissioning or maintaining plan
16/08/2007
Ireland’s national training and employment authority, FÁS, have announced the introduction of a new Electrical Apprenticeship Course at its Ballina Training Centre in County Mayo. The move coincides with the closure of the Auto Turning facility in Ballina, after eight years of operation. The course
16/08/2007
The NHBC’s First Time Buyers Ability to Buy index has hit an all time low during the second quarter of this year, it has emerged. The Index, which takes into account the average cost of homes bought by first time buyers, average income and mortgage interest rates, fell to 41 points – the lowest lev
16/08/2007
Bell Recruitment Services (BRS), Belfast is getting ready to launch their new specialist Construct & Build desk at their offices in South Belfast. Having already attracted hundreds of experienced professionals to their books and built relationships with some of the province's top construction and e
16/08/2007
Glen Water, a joint venture company between Thames Water and Laing O’Rourke has presented the Donaghadee Branch of the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RLNI) with a cheque for £3,000 as part of its ongoing commitment to maintaining high on-site health and safety standards. International construct
15/08/2007
Armagh City and District Council recently revealed that plans to overhaul Ogle Street are still underway. The proposals, which include the introduction of a one-way traffic system for the street, are part of the comprehensive Environmental Improvement Scheme set to transform the City Centre. Dawn
15/08/2007
With government grants of up to 50 per cent available, there has never been a better time for County Down to Reconnect at home with renewable energy. This is the message from Action Renewables, as they prepare to showcase renewable energy and climate change issues at The Green Living Experience, ta
15/08/2007
Automation and drives engineer Michael Dineen has proved that the boom in Ireland’s industrial economy is continuing by winning two pan-European awards. Michael, from industrial distributor Dickson Bearings and Transmissions Limited, picked up two prizes for having installed the most variable speed
15/08/2007
The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) has published its proposals in relation to achieving the highest possible standards for safety, with respect to natural gas installers. Following the signing of the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006 into law, the CER has increased responsibility f
15/08/2007
The Central Survey Unit (CSU) of the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) has revealed a slight fall in the construction index. The figures in the latest edition of the Northern Ireland Construction Bulletin from the Quarterly Construction Enquiry (QCE) showed that the Index of C
15/08/2007
Dublin-listed Smurfit Kappa Group plc (SKG), one of the world’s largest integrated manufacturers of paper-based packaging products, has announced results for the first two quarters ending 30 June. The results showed year-on-year EBITDA increase of 18% in second quarter to 260 million euro; a 28% in
15/08/2007
Manufacturing output in the first half of 2007 grew by an annual 6.5%, making a strong contribution to growth in the first half of the year. Growth, however, in the second quarter slowed markedly. Commenting on the figures, Irish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC) Chief Economist David Cro
14/08/2007
Building materials company and DIY specialists Grafton has reported pre-tax profits of 106.4 million euro, 18% up on last year. Grafton's total revenue has risen by 13% to 1.6bn euro and adjusted earnings share rose by 18% to 39.1%. Grafton’s Irish turnover increased by 6% to 628.8m euro with oper
14/08/2007
John Horgan & Son have won the full mechanical services contract for the new Government Offices in Blackpool, Cork. The €3.5 million deal includes heating, ventilation, air conditioning and plumbing for the 7,040 square metre site which has four floors of offices and underground and rooftop car par
14/08/2007
Figures released by the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) show the value of repair, maintenance and improvement work in the construction industry was almost seven billion euro in 2006, or almost 19% of an industry worth in excess of 36bn euro. The 7bn total for the value of the repair, mainten
14/08/2007
The first commercial application of a unique, flexible, unreinforced, pre-cast concrete arch bridge design – the FlexiArch – developed by Queen’s University Belfast in conjunction with the award winning County Antrim firm, Macrete Ireland Ltd was installed in Monaghan on 23 May 2007. This bridge wa
14/08/2007
Fifty purchasers of Wavin products are set to become owners of not one, but a stable of six racehorses. To help make this dream happen, Wavin, the market leader in pvc pipe and fittings, has launched an exciting and major promotion called Wavin Builders Pride Horseowner Chase. The promotion gives
14/08/2007
Northern Ireland manufacturer Classic Marble is the latest company to become a member of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA). Classic Marble has been designing and producing resin stone shower trays, wall panels and the award winning Classi Seal for more than 20 years. Commenting on joini
14/08/2007
The Irish Timber Frame Manufacturers’ Association (ITFMA) has secured a development grant for Skillnet’s funding to research the training needs of the industry. The Association believes that continuous upskilling is essential to ensure that the sector can avail of the opportunities presented by the
14/08/2007
Glen Water, a joint venture company between Thames Water and Laing O’Rourke has presented the Donaghadee Branch of the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RLNI) with a cheque for £3,000 as part of its on-going commitment to maintaining high on-site health and safety standards. International construc
13/08/2007
Wolseley, Ireland’s largest supplier of plumbing and heating products and a major supplier of building materials, has announced a major investment in its supply chain logistics capacity. The company, which incorporates the trading brands of Heat Merchants, Tubs & Tiles and Brooks, is to build a 170
13/08/2007
Two of Dublin’s most famous hotels have closed today after 35 years of business. Jurys Ballsbridge and the Berkely Court are due to close today at 4pm. The site where both hotels are situated was bought by developer Seán Dunne’s Mountbrook Homes from the Jurys Doyle chain in 2005 for 380 million e
13/08/2007
A £77 million housing strategy for Lisburn is being prepared to be launched in an attempt to halt an exodus of young families from the city. Stormont Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie is launching the blueprint, and Jeffrey Donaldson has stressed it is fundamental in maintaining the area
13/08/2007
Invest Northern Ireland has helped a County Armagh company to enter new markets and generate £480,000 of export sales after launching a new product, which is the first of its kind to be manufactured in Northern Ireland. Based in Hamiltonsbawn, NC Engineering produces a wide range of machinery for t
13/08/2007
Belfast is set to take a huge bite out of the world’s sandwich market with the announcement that O’Briens is to open its largest store in the world at Victoria Square. Belfast has seen off competition from over 300 O’Briens stores in 13 countries worldwide to be crowned as the largest O’Briens stor
13/08/2007
Fine Gael is calling on the Department of Social Affairs to set up temporary offices in Edenderry after a fire extensively damaged a pig meat processing plant. However, proposals are being considered to move the plant to the Glanbia building in Roscrea. Around 280 workers, including foreign nation
13/08/2007
Onlinetradesmen.com, Ireland's largest accredited trade network, recently provided its 70,000th job lead to Irish tradesmen and construction firms. With nationwide reach, the Onlinetradesmen.com platform is the largest service of its kind in Ireland and enables its tradesmen and construction firms
13/08/2007
Vicaima fire doors have been installed throughout the historic Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin, which officially re-opened earlier this year. More than 500 Vicaima FD30 and FD60 fire doors were supplied and have been installed throughout the building, which has been the focus of a great deal of attentio
10/08/2007
Combining to form Ireland's biggest building event, The Building Exhibition, the Irish Sustainable Building Show and the iT Village are set to cover the most important themes affecting Ireland’s construction industry. The three co-located events will take place from 20–22 September 2007 in the RDS,
10/08/2007
The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) has welcomed the latest figures released from the Central Statistics Office (CSO), which show the continued growth of the construction industry in Ireland. According to CSO figures released in the Production in Building and Construction Index, the value of
10/08/2007
Northern Ireland Water (NIW) has stated that they are investing £1million a day upgrading Northern Ireland’s water and sewerage infrastructure. The company said that expenditure has increased tenfold since 2000/01 when approximately £12 million was invested, compared to some £122 million in the la
10/08/2007
The Dublin Docklands Development Authority has announced the appointment of sculptor Antony Gormley as the artist in charge of a new sculptural commission for Docklands. It is hoped the end result will be a sizeable structure, up to 48 metres high, that will be architectural in scale and be a signp
10/08/2007
The Irish online trade network, onlinetradesmen.com, has revealed that Irish homeowners spent 7% less on extensions in the first half of this year, with the average expenditure falling to €47,196. The network stated that the primary reason for the decrease in construction spending was due to concer
10/08/2007
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment's (DETI) Trading Standards Service is urging consumers to be vigilant when paying for building or home improvement work. Stephen Thompson, Manager with Trading Standards' consumer complaint helpline, Consumerline, has offered advice on the do’s and
10/08/2007
A new company, Eirzyme Ltd, which has been founded on technology developed at The National University of Ireland, Galway (NUI Galway), is set to be a major player in the biofuels sector. Eirzyme has incorporated in Ireland and has set up initial R&D laboratories at the Enterprise Ireland-funded b
10/08/2007
Façade systems specialist Hunter Douglas has appointed Ussher Patton to head its restructured sales division in Ireland. It follows the recent decision by Hunter Douglas to end its supplier partnership agreement with Irish construction agent Engineering Research Limited (ERL). The move is designed
10/08/2007
Belfast-based Highway Plant Co Ltd have recently been appointed as a PASMA Training Centre. Highway are now offering the PASMA Operator course, the syllabus of which meets the requirements of the Advisory Committee for Work at Height Training (ACWAHT). The course covers trainee competency i
09/08/2007
Dublin City Council is going beyond basic legislative requirements to provide social housing tenants with the facility to live in a decent environment. As part of its ongoing provision of social and affordable housing, the Council is building a low level complex of 24 homes in Donneycarney, Co. Dub
09/08/2007
Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA has officially handed over keys to the first residents of a £7.3million housing development on Belfast’s Antrim Road today. Built on the site of the former Milk Marketing Board headquarters, the project was led by Oaklee Housing Association and funde
09/08/2007
Foras Áiseanna Saothair (FÁS), Ireland's National Training and Employment Authority, recently published its Quarterly Labour Market Commentary. The report highlighted the decline in demand for construction workers in Ireland. The Irish labour market has continued to deliver a strong rate of employm
09/08/2007
Healy Kelly Turner & Townsend have made significant additions to their team within recent months in order to further increase its presence within the Irish construction sector. Garrett Dorman has been appointed as Associate Director. A member of the Association for Project Management Garrett has ov
09/08/2007
A new project in Strabane is to focus on improving bridge infrastructure in the town. Strabane 2000’s ‘Strabane – Crossing the River Mourne’ project aims to develop two pedestrian bridges. One is due to connect Meeting House Street to the Melvin Park Sports Complex area and the other is due to join
09/08/2007
For over 50 years Ardex has been synonymous with the development, manufacture and marketing of premium quality specialist tiling products, flooring products and construction materials for the flooring, tiling and rendering industries. Ardex recently invited their customers to partake in product dem
09/08/2007
Established in October 1995, Fide Engineering Ltd has enjoyed nearly twelve years of successful trading in Ireland. FIDE Engineering is based in Skibbereen, Co. Cork, and supply their products to industry, retailers, public service and individuals throughout the world. The company have recently de
09/08/2007
With offices throughout Ireland and the UK Extraspace offer a turn-key solution that ensures every project is managed smoothly and comprehensively across a broad spectrum of sectors. Extraspace has been awarded the coveted OGCbuying solutions accreditation. The accreditation endorses the company's
09/08/2007
R.E.P. Limited is a leading Irish distributor of a wide range of specialist building products, with an extensive portfolio that includes roofing materials, render systems and flooring screeds. Established in 1989, R.E.P. started out as a competitive supplier of reinforced PVC and self-adhesive PIB
08/08/2007
Chambers Ireland Transport Users Council recently highlighted Ireland’s critical infrastructure deficits in its review of the Programme for Government. Its members agreed that the issues identified must be addressed as a matter of urgency before Ireland becomes a first world economy with a third w
08/08/2007
Strabane District Council has welcomed three judges from Co-operation Ireland's Pride of Place Award on a visit to see the town's successful regeneration projects. Speaking after the event, Council Chairman, Councillor Gerald Foley stated: "Strabane District Council, through its Strabane 2000 partn
08/08/2007
Newtownabbey Borough Council have advised visitors to Ballyclare Cemetery that extension work is due to start from Monday 13 August. This will cause disruption in the cemetery, as contractors will be using the main access road. Margaret Lindsay, Parks and Cemeteries Manager, said: “We would like
08/08/2007
Dublin based distributors Igoe International Ltd have been appointed sole distributors for the Bunker range of Grout Pumps. The machine comes in several models ranging from the basic manually-operated model to electric or air driven, which means that a pump is available to suit most needs, big or
08/08/2007
Eagle Elevated Photography is a new and innovative photography company dedicated to providing a unique photography service to clients especially in the property market. The Irish-owned and managed company uses a pioneering concept that facilitates “aerial” photography without the need for helicopte
08/08/2007
Rushree Ltd has been serving the construction industry in Ireland since 1975. The Navan-based company specialise in the supply and fit of various and diverse suspended ceiling systems, metal stud partitioning, bulkhead design features, carpentry, vanity unit and cubicle systems, raised access floo
08/08/2007
A reputable family-run business, serving both domestic and commercial clients, Allen Gamble Windows Conservatories & Doors manufacture, supply and install quality UPVC Windows, Doors and Conservatories in a range of colours & styles to match any home. Manufactured in Northern Ireland, Allen Gamble
08/08/2007
Con-Form Contracting Ltd, the ground engineering specialist, was recently appointed to carry out its innovative, patent applied E-Found foundation solution at a site in Dundalk, Co Louth on behalf of Mount Avenue Developments. The site consists of a range of 3,4 & 5 bedroom timber frame dwellings a
07/08/2007
Key planning issues such as urban sprawl, delays in infrastructure delivery and overzoning by local councils could be tackled better through a greater role for regional authorities, according to the Irish Planning Institute (IPI). Calling for a radical review of the role of regional government, the
07/08/2007
The former Bank of Ireland building on Larne’s Main Street is to be restored to its former glory, thanks to funding from the Department for Social Development (DSD). DSD has awarded the project a grant of £256,000 under its pilot Urban Development Grant programme. The programme is aimed at schemes
07/08/2007
Shannon Development has appointed a consortium led by Project Management Group (PM Group) and RKD Architects to draw up a Masterplan for the future development of the Shannon Free Zone in Co. Clare. The Masterplan will provide the basis for the regeneration of Shannon Free Zone and the adjoining a
07/08/2007
Clonmel Park Hotel has been the venue for a half-day conference organised by the town’s Chamber of Commerce recently. The first of its kind, the conference entitled “Shaping up for Success”, was co-ordinated by the Chamber in response to a concern that business in the town centre is suffering and
07/08/2007
The issue of sustainable construction was recently reviewed from various European perspectives at a seminar in Dublin held jointly by the AEEBC (European Association of Building Surveyors and Technical Architects) and CEEC (European Council of Construction Economists), and hosted by the Society of C
07/08/2007
Irish Rope Access & Safety Consultants Ltd has been in operation since 1986, and covers a variety of areas including Specialist Scaffolding, First Aid, Safety Netting and Safety Consultancy. At present Irish Rope are working with various groups to implement the instigation of a training process in
07/08/2007
Wood-framed windows, front doors and conservatories manufactured in Germany by Ertelt are making inroads into Ireland. As a member of the German Crafts Association, Ertelt is strongly represented in Ireland, and qualified personnel are always available for consultation. Ertelt undertakes most of th
07/08/2007
Atlas Suspended Ceilings, established in Northern Ireland since 1977, have gone from strength to strength - and during the past 30 years have built up a healthy relationship with many building companies. Atlas have now become the sole suppliers of TOLEDANO Ceiling Systems, taking suspended ceilings
06/08/2007
Residents in Marlfield, Clonmel have given the thumbs-up to the proposed Euro 100m Marlbrook Hotel and Golf Resort, particularly the knock-on improvements it will bring to the village's sewerage system, water supply and roads. These positive developments for the village's infrastructure as well as
06/08/2007
A business skills training centre is being planned for Clonmel by the town's Chamber of Commerce. The Skillnets Centre will be created for enterprises throughout South Tipperary that need to train their staff in anything from retail, office and management skills to technical training specific to a
06/08/2007
Turner and Townsend have recently made two significant appointments to the Belfast Office. Having acquired several high profile projects and in response to market demand, Turner and Townsend have recruited Jenny Morgan, Senior Project Manager and Joe Green, Senior Cost Manager. Jenny Morgan joins f
06/08/2007
The Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Éamon Ó Cuív, has announced that he has sanctioned a grant of €38.9 million for Galway County Council to develop Cill Rónáin Port, Inis Mór, Árainn. This is the largest project ever funded by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht
06/08/2007
Banbridge District Council has announced plans to start work within the next few weeks on expanding its community recycling centre on the Scarva Road in Banbridge to approximately five times its current size. The £1.7 million project, which is supported by an Environment and Heritage Service Waste
06/08/2007
Understanding imminent changes in legislation that will have an impact on the construction sector will be a key concern for the 7,000 decision makers, industry professionals and 250 exhibitors due to attend this year’s Plan Expo. Plan Expo, organised by Expo Events, will celebrate its 25th annivers
06/08/2007
Faced with the need to refurbish the roof at a church in Manorhamilton, Architects Hamilton Young of Sligo took the opportunity to specify the use of a multi layer blanket known as SuperQuilt while repairing the existing slate roof. This membrane was developed by YBS Insulation in response to the i
06/08/2007
The Cupa name is perhaps best known in Ireland for its high quality natural slate products - and now Cupa Natural Materials has been set up as part of the Group’s ambitious plans to control the distribution of its full product portfolio. Slate, Stone Panel (a revolutionary natural stone cladding sy
03/08/2007
Plans to install the world’s biggest tidal energy turbine in Northern Ireland have been delayed. The turbine, which would be the first of kinds in the world, was due to be installed close to the mouth of Strangford Lough at the end of the month. The SeaGen commercial energy system is to be install
03/08/2007
Detailed plans of how Northern Ireland’s first Fire Station and Community Fire Safety Centre could look have been unveiled. Leading Ulster architectural firm Knox & Clayton was one of just six companies chosen by the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) to present their vision for the n
03/08/2007
Launching the latest work-related fatal injury statistics, Health and Safety Commission (HSC) Chair Sir Bill Callaghan said the loss of 241 lives was unacceptable. He issued a fresh challenge to industry to place safety at the top of its priorities and do more to protect the work force. Of the mai
03/08/2007
The Construction Industry Federation has announced the appointment of Mr Tom Parlon as Director General of the organisation. Following a distinguished career in Irish public life as President of the Irish Farmers’ Association and for the past five years, as Minister of State with responsibility for
03/08/2007
Coastway are pleased to announce that they are now promoting Scanlaser Machine Control Solutions throughout the island of Ireland. Scanlaser offers an end to end service from initial consultation and evaluation through to installation, training and support. The product range starts with an afford
03/08/2007
Dessian Products, the Belfast-based fabricator of windows, doors and conservatories in the REHAU PVC-U system, has introduced a new suite of furniture for all its casement windows and doors. The company has upgraded the quality of all the furniture it supplies and has switched to new more contempor
03/08/2007
Freefoam Plastics, one of the largest manufacturers of PVC-U and PVC-UE roofline and rainwater products in Ireland, are pleased to announce the promotion of Colin St John to the position of General Manager, Freefoam Plastics (UK) Ltd. Tony Walsh, Managing Director, commented: “With his contribution
02/08/2007
A bungalow in County Tyrone has been demolished after it emerged the property had been built without planning permission. The building of the Corvanaghan Road house in Cookstown was unauthorised despite owner Patrick Quinn having applied for retrospective planning permission. This, however, was re
02/08/2007
The new dual carriageway between Dundalk and Newry opened on Thursday. Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Dermot Ahern and Northern Ireland Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy jointly open the new route, which cost £86 million to develop. The nine miles of road has been designed to help cut tra
02/08/2007
Dublin firm Richmond Building Products have now launched their new sustainable building product range known as Richmond Green. There are many different reasons why a product can be classified as “sustainable”. Each of the products in Richmond’s new green range have different properties that have he
02/08/2007
Bullivant Taranto Group recently created a nice balance of work and pleasure with the joint corporate day in June. Bullivant Taranto Group Golf Day Tournament began with a tour of Co Armagh manufacturing plant, followed by an afternoon of golf. Following on from the Taranto De Pol tradition of a ye
02/08/2007
Cork-based Freefoam Plastics has just announced the introduction of a new dark grey colour to its range of products. The new colour now brings to ten the number of standard colours offered by Freefoam and covered by its industry-first, 20-Year Extended Guarantee. Freefoam’s other colours include wh
01/08/2007
Regional Development Minister, Conor Murphy, has praised the work of the Belfast Harbour Commissioners during a visit to the Port of Belfast. The Minister said: “The Port of Belfast is a major economic asset for the North and I am delighted to have this opportunity today to see the scale of the ope
01/08/2007
The first major Inter-Urban (MIU) route between Dublin and Belfast will be officially completed on Thursday 2 August 2007 with the opening of the 14km, A1/N1 dual carriageway between Newry and Dundalk. Dermot Ahern, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Conor Murphy, Minister for Regional Development ar
01/08/2007
Northern Ireland’s leading building solutions provider CEMEX NI have announced Paul Connolly as their new Regional Director. Promoted from the position of Deputy Director at CEMEX NI, Paul’s main responsibilities will include the implementation of the new systems and procedures after the rebrand fr
01/08/2007
Celine Wogan has been appointed Product Manager at Wavin Ireland. She will have responsibility for the development of the company’s Above Ground Building Products within the civil, infrastructure and housing markets and promoting new products into the Wavin market. She will also be responsible for
01/08/2007
Speedy Hire has announced the acquisition of Waterford Hire Services Limited. Waterford Hire is a long standing, independent tool and equipment hire business with 31 employees operating from two depots in Waterford City and South Kilkenny in South East Ireland. The acquisition adds to Speedy Hire'
01/08/2007
Cork-based Freefoam Plastics, the leading industry voice in the manufacture and promotion of environmentally friendly, lead free products, has launched a new media campaign, ‘The Burning Issue’, to increase awareness of the dangers of UV radiation to buildings. Everyone is aware of the dangers to p
01/08/2007
The Government will increase the amount of tax on revenues from offshore oil and gas exploration. Eamon Ryan, Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in the Republic is set to announce a new tax on profitable oil and gas finds of up to 15%. In 1992 a new regime was introduced req
