Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for March 2014
31/03/2014
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Environment and Local Government Barry Cowen has called on Minister Phil Hogan to publish the Government's submission to the Energy Regulator on water charges. Deputy Cowen has said: "There are less than eight weeks to go until people vote in the local and European elect
31/03/2014
Green Party local election candidate for Cork, Dan Boyle, is seeking to raise awareness of the poor air quality in Cork today. Speaking this morning, Mr Boyle said: "At 5pm yesterday the Environmental Protection Agency, through its air monitoring web site, showed Cork City to be the only area in t
31/03/2014
Dublin Labour MEP Emer Costello has called for the urgent publication of the final heads of the new Climate Change Bill after the release today of the UN's new climate change report. She said: "Today's important report from the UN's expert panel on climate change provides more stark evidence of the
31/03/2014
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland's (SEAI) annual two-day business to business event, The Energy Show 2014, saw a 10% increase in visitor numbers with more than 3,500 people attending. The show, which took place at the RDS in Dublin in mid-March, hosted up to 200 exhibitors along with m
31/03/2014
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has announced a £500,000 investment in the roads network in Armagh city. Resurfacing work has already started in Irish Street and is expected to take place until the end of May. Once work on Irish Street is finished, work will begin on the Friary Road. The Minister
31/03/2014
Fianna Fáil European candidate, Senator Thomas Byrne, has said it is "fundamentally unfair and discriminatory to exclude EirGrid's proposed North-South electricity interconnector from the terms of reference of the Independent Pylons Review Panel chaired by retired Supreme Court Justice Catherine McG
28/03/2014
Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly has stated that the application for planning permission for an incinerator at Hightown on the outskirts of North Belfast by the arc21 group is a bad idea and shows clearly that those behind the project "have not listened" to concerns about such a plant in Belfast. Mr Kelly
28/03/2014
Fine Gael Kerry Senator and Seanad Chief Whip, Paul Coghlan, has welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaelteacht, Jimmy Deenihan, of the awarding of a €1.1m contract to allow for the latest phase of the restoration of Killarney House and Gardens. "I have been campaig
28/03/2014
Using wind energy to meet Ireland's 2020 targets and adding further capacity up to 2030, will dramatically reduce Ireland's costly dependency on foreign energy, lower wholesale electricity prices and deliver €1.8bn in new tax revenue to the Irish state, all without leading to any cost to Irish consu
28/03/2014
Sinn Féin spokesperson for Communication, Energy and Natural Resources, Michael Colreavy TD, has said that fracking is not the solution for energy security. Following a meeting between United States President, Barack Obama and European Commission President, Jose Manuel Barroso, where the idea of gr
28/03/2014
Ulster Unionist Assembly Member for Mid-Ulster, Sandra Overend, has welcomed the Minister for Regional Development's announcement to proceed with the A31 Magherafelt Bypass Scheme. Mrs Overend, who is the Assembly Private Secretary for the Minister for Regional Development, said: "I am delighted th
28/03/2014
SDLP Killultagh Councillor Pat Catney has called for the introduction of further traffic calming measures outside local schools, St Patricks Academy and St Aloysius Primary School in Lisburn. Cllr Catney said: "I have been contacted by parents and staff who are concerned about the safety of their c
28/03/2014
Labour Party Senator and European Election candidate for the Midlands North West constituency Lorraine Higgins has strongly backed local calls for the establishment of a Greenway along the route of the now derelict Western rail corridor from Collooney to Claremorris. According to Senator Higgins: "
28/03/2014
Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster has met with Kilkeel Strategic Partnership to discuss proposals for the regeneration of the local area. The Kilkeel Strategic Partnership was established in February 2014 with the main aim of supporting business development, creating employmen
27/03/2014
One of the most high profile and best known discovery points along the newly launched Wild Atlantic Way is to benefit from significant upgrade works during the coming weeks. Management at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience in County Clare have announced a €550,000 plan to upgrade the existing p
27/03/2014
Mayor of South Dublin County Council (SDCC), Councillor Dermot Looney, carried out the official Sod Turning Ceremony for Phase 1 of the Tallaght to Ballyboden Cycle Route: Pedestrian and cycle route and bridges at Dodder Valley Park recently. The ceremony marked the continuation of a significant ne
27/03/2014
An Cathaoirleach, Councillor Carrie Smyth, has officially opened the newly constructed unisex changing facility at Sandycove Harbour. Despite its modest size, the planning and construction of the shelter has taken three years to complete and required the acquisition by the Council of the old Fisher
27/03/2014
A new €12m Waste Water Treatment Plant for Cavan and an €8m contract to refurbish and improve the towns waste water treatment system has been announced. Earlier this year, Minister Phil Hogan, T.D. approved a new €12m Waste Water Treatment Plant for Cavan and a €8m contract to refurbish and improve
27/03/2014
Portview Fit-out is on 'top of the world' after proving its international credentials once again by being shortlisted for two prestigious UK and Global retail awards. The Belfast-based company, which works for many of the world's top brands has been chosen as one of four finalists in the Contractor
27/03/2014
SDLP Derry City Councillor Angela Dobbins has welcomed a free planning advice drop-in service to be offered in the city over the next three months. Councillor Dobbins said: "Planning issues – applications, objections or advice on renewable energy – can be daunting and prove to be very expensive. "'
27/03/2014
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has visited Ballycastle to review £17,500 improvement project to help Ballycastle 'gear up' for the Giro d'Italia bike race in May. Visiting Ballycastle, Minister McCausland said: "This is an excellent opportunity for the people of Ballycastle to show c
27/03/2014
Green fingered pupils from Holy Child Primary School have helped the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) give a spring makeover to a site it owns in West Belfast. The site, which is located at the junction of Glen Road and Bingnian Drive, had recently been regraded. During the makeover, Year
26/03/2014
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources , Michael Colreavy TD, has expressed concern over the sale of Irish wind farms to a multi-national company. Speaking following the news that the wind farm portfolio owned by Bord Gáis Éireann is to be sold to Canadian based Broo
26/03/2014
Regional Development Minister, Danny Kennedy, has welcomed a decrease in NI Water charges by an average of 4%. The reduction will take place from 1 April 2014 and is the second year in a row that charges have fallen. Last year tariffs for non-domestic customers dropped by 2.5%. Mr Kennedy said: "
26/03/2014
Michael McCarthy TD has welcomed confirmation that the final heads of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill will be published before Easter 2014. "Climate change is one of the key issues facing the world today and it is important that we formulate the necessary policy and legislation t
26/03/2014
Fine Gael Dublin South Central TD, Catherine Byrne, has welcomed the announcement that the Liberties is set to benefit from a new €40m property development at the Digital Hub. Up to 300 construction jobs will be created through the development of an additional 10,650 square feet of enterprise offi
26/03/2014
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has announced that an £80,000 improvement scheme on the approach to Gelvin Bridge near Dungiven is now underway. The scheme, on the B64 Legavallon Road, will provide new verges and safety barriers. Mr Kennedy said: "This scheme will help improve road safety, partic
26/03/2014
Clanmil Housing Association has confirmed details of a new initiative to move first time buyers onto the property ladder. The Homeowner scheme is a part-ownership, part-rental deal to help people who can't afford to purchase outright buy up to a 90% share in a property and pay rent on the remaining
26/03/2014
Sinn Féin Housing Spokesperson Dessie Ellis TD has called on the Government to strengthen the protections of Local Authority tenants from summary eviction without justification or due process. He made his comments during a topical issue debate in the Dáil. Deputy Ellis said: "Tenants in this state
26/03/2014
Jimmy Deenihan TD, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, has announced the commencement of the next phase of works involved in the restoration of Killarney House and Gardens. The contract for hard landscaping works for the new Pleasure Gardens, which was awarded today, will commence withi
25/03/2014
Centrica, together with Brookfield Renewable Energy Partners and iCON Infrastructure Partners II, has agreed to acquire Bord Gáis Energy (BGE), the vertically integrated Irish energy business from Bord Gáis Éireann, the state owned energy company, for €1.1 billion (£920 million). The transaction i
25/03/2014
Labour Deputy for Dublin Bay North, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, has said that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreed between the Office of Public Works and Insurance Ireland is an important first step, but has urged the inclusion of rivers in the North side of Dublin. "It is welcome that the Office of
25/03/2014
Sinn Féin MLA Mickey Brady has said that a massive house-building programme is required to address the crisis in social housing. Mr Brady said: "There is a growing list of people in housing stress between different generations of families living together, people in hostels and those on the street w
25/03/2014
A total of 760, 228 and 205 homes in the Londonderry, Limavady Borough Council and Strabane District Council areas respectively have had new boilers installed as part of the Department for Social Development's Boiler Replacement Scheme. The scheme, provided initially by funding from the Northern Ir
25/03/2014
Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has recommended planning approval for 127 social housing units at the St Peters' High School site in Creggan, Derry. The residential development, located within the existing school grounds, will comprise of six four-bedroom houses, 63 three-bedroom houses, 30 two-
25/03/2014
Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster has performed the official sod cutting ceremony for the new £10m extension at the Galgorm Resort and Spa in Ballymena. The extension will include additional bedrooms and leisure facilities, including a swimming pool and gym. Arlene Foster sai
25/03/2014
Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has announced planning approval for a new £1m community centre at Glenariffe, Co Antrim. The hall will cater for both the social and sporting needs of the community, in addition to providing facilities for Friends of Glenariffe and Oisin GAC. The facilities will
24/03/2014
Sinn Féin spokesperson for the Environment, Brian Stanley TD, has reiterated the party's opposition to water charges and water fluoridation while outlining its support for hydro energy in light of World Water Day 2014. Deputy Stanley said: "This year World Water Day aims to raise awareness of the i
24/03/2014
Ecocem Ireland, specialist producer of Ground Granulated Blast furnace Slag (GGBS) eco-friendly cement and low carbon concrete, has announced the appointments of Ciara Dunne as Group Marketing Manager and Susan McGarry as Environmental Manager. Commenting on the recent promotions, Conor O’Riain, he
24/03/2014
A multi-agency approach to further enhancing the physical appearance of the historic streets of Limerick City Centre has been launched at Baker Place. Developed by Limerick City and County Council, Limerick Civic Trust and Limerick City Centre Tidy Towns, the 'Street A Week' campaign involves Civic
24/03/2014
The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamon Gilmore T.D., today announced a grant of €600,000 towards the redevelopment of the Ruislip GAA grounds in London, the headquarters of the London County Board. The funding is being provided as part of the Emigrant Support Programme of th
24/03/2014
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has announced that a further £173,000 is being invested in the road network in the Dromore area in County Down beginning before the end of March 2014. Resurfacing work is due to start on 27 March on the B2 Lurgan Road, Dromore, in the Ballynaris area, and is expecte
24/03/2014
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has announced the start of a £160,000 road improvement scheme for B80 Tattymoyle Road in Omagh next week. Work on the major resurfacing scheme on Tattymoyle Road between Moneygar Road and Crockroe Road is due to begin on Monday 31 March and should be completed by Mo
24/03/2014
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has announced the start of a replacement street lighting scheme in Erinvale Avenue, Wedderburn Avenue and surrounding streets in South Belfast. The scheme has just started and will be fully operational within 12 weeks. The Minister said: "This innovative
24/03/2014
Minister for Communications, Energy & Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte, TD, has announced that the Liberties area of Dublin is set to benefit from an investment of more than €40m as a result of a new property development at The Digital Hub. The project, which is facilitated by the Digital Hub Develo
21/03/2014
Jimmy Deenihan TD, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, has welcomed the details announced by Mr Simon Coveney TD, The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, of the allocation of €454,165 made available to Kerry County Council for repair of public owned piers, harbours and slipways
21/03/2014
Housing Minister Nelson McCausland and Finance Minister Simon Hamilton have launched a new £19 million Affordable Home Loans Fund. The fund, which will provide up to 600 affordable homes across Northern Ireland over the next six years, is the local application of the Get Britain Building scheme, wh
21/03/2014
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published preliminary figures for municipal solid waste generation and management in 2012. The figures provide valuable information about how people generate and dispose of municipal waste, and inform Ireland's approach to developing a resource-efficie
21/03/2014
Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry has visited apprentices who are honing their skills at the National Trust's Mount Stewart House in Newtownards. Two apprentices, Callum McCaffrey and James Harper, are studying for an NVQ in Carpentry and Joinery at South East Regional College's (S
21/03/2014
Speaking following a vote in the European Parliament's Environment and Public Health Committee, rejecting the current Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS)-Aviation Agreement negotiated between Member States and some MEPS supportive of sectoral aviation interests, Sinn Féin MEP Martina Anderson said the ag
21/03/2014
Property consultants, Savills, have confirmed that contracts have been signed for the sale of the Blarney Golf Resort in Blarney, Co. Cork. Savills are handling the sale on behalf of the Receiver, Billy O'Riordan, The property was first placed on the market in February 2009, but was re-launched
21/03/2014
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has announced a £335,000 major resurfacing scheme on a section of the B49 Longland Road, Donemana, the main Donemana to Claudy road. Improvements to a 2,790metre section of the B49 Longland Road, commenced on 21 March from Longland Road, Bonds Glen Road junction thr
21/03/2014
Foyle Food Group was convicted of breaching its' Pollution Prevention and Control Permit at L'Derry Magistrates' Court. he company pleaded guilty and was fined £750 plus court costs of £20. The breach related to the Foyle Proteins rendering plant at Lisahally. On 13 March 2012, an NIEA inspector f
21/03/2014
Mr. Phil Hogan, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, has announced the provision of €850,000 in grants from the Environment Fund to local authorities under the 2014 Anti-Litter & Anti-Graffiti Awareness Grant Scheme. The Scheme enables local authorities to provide fu
21/03/2014
Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has announced planning approval for nearly 3,000 sq m of high specification office space in the Titanic Quarter. The two blocks of six and seven storeys will be located between Belfast Metropolitan College’s Titanic Quarter Campus and the Public Records Office for
20/03/2014
Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn, has announced that 386 schools across every county in Ireland will be able to undertake school improvements this summer. Almost €36 million is being provided by the Department of Education and Skills under the first round of funding for the Summer Wo
20/03/2014
Green Party Leader, Eamon Ryan, has called on the Government to honour its commitment to return 80% of Local Property Tax revenues to local authorities. The measure was meant to be introduced in 2014 but has now been deferred by the Minister for the Environment, Phil Hogan. Eamon Ryan said: "Dubl
20/03/2014
Concerns have been raised in Shannon regarding possible future flooding in the town as a result of water breaching the town's Estuary Embankment. Councillor Sean McLoughlin has called on the Office of Public Works (OPW) to raise and reinforce the Shannon Estuary Embankment which he said was breache
20/03/2014
News that AIB has agreed 100 deals with mortgage holders which have involved some form of debt write off has brought into sharp focus the need for greater consistency in how mortgage arrears cases are handled across the different banks, according to Fianna Fáil Finance Spokesperson Michael McGrath.
20/03/2014
A major push has been launched to ensure hundreds of workers employed on the Irish Water Meter Installation programme receive the pay and conditions to which they are entitled. SIPTU organisers have identified numerous cases of non-compliance by main contractors and subcontractors. Many of these in
20/03/2014
Following a competitive tendering process which was launched in January 2014, the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) has selected Capita Asset Services (Ireland) Ltd. as its preferred bidder to provide primary and special services on the portfolio of commercial property loans which it may acqui
20/03/2014
Shannon Councillor Sean McLoughlin has expressed his dissatisfaction at a new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report which he says "fails to adequately address concerns" in Shannon regarding odours nuisances emanating from the Shannon Sewerage Scheme. The newly published EPA Urban Waste Water
20/03/2014
The Department of the Environment has served an Urgent Works Notice on the agent for the owner of the former National School, Bushmills. The school is a listed building built as part of a nationwide initiative launched in 1830 by Edwin Stanley, Chief Secretary for Ireland and later Prime Minister o
20/03/2014
Around 1,000 homes and businesses in the Ballyclare Road area of Glengormley were left without electricity recently following contractor damage to a high voltage underground cable. Northern Ireland Electricity is warning all contractors working in the vicinity of underground electricity cables to
20/03/2014
SDLP Derry City Councillor Jimmy Carr has voiced concern about the poor state of the pitch at the Brandywell Stadium. Councillor Carr said: "For years Derry City FC was known as having one of the best playing surfaces in the League of Ireland and, if I remember correctly, our groundsmen received an
19/03/2014
SDLP Upper Bann MLA Dolores Kelly has said that lessons must be learned from the failure to deliver major capital projects. Ms Kelly was speaking after posing an oral question to DRD Minister Danny Kennedy. She said: "It is important that lessons are learned from the failure of the Executive to d
19/03/2014
Kilkenny County Council has unveiled plans for the construction of six housing units in the townslands. The proposed development will consist of the six two-storey houses consisting of four no. 3 bed units and two no. 2 bed units, and associated site works, in the townslands (Maiden Hill, Review Fi
19/03/2014
SSE Airtricity Commercial Energy Efficiency Manager, Brian Connolly believes Irish businesses can become more energy efficient through using a variety of technologies and control measures. SSE Airtricity offers tailored energy management packages to all of its commercial customers, helping firms u
19/03/2014
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has announced a £100,000 road resurfacing scheme on the Loughgall Road in Portadown between Brownstown Road and Baltylum Meadows Work will take please in two phases in order to minimise disruption to the public. Work will be carried out during the weekends of Saturd
19/03/2014
Tom Kilfeather, Sligo County Council's Director of Services for Infrastructure, presented a report to the Council's March meeting on the issue of 'Irish Water'. From January 2014, Irish Water assumed responsibility for water and waste water services in Ireland. While the local authority will conti
19/03/2014
SDLP Foyle MLA Colum Eastwood has welcomed the announcement of a new project to transform the Old Waterside Train Station into an integrated transport hub. Mr Eastwood said that Transport Minister Danny Kennedy's green light for the refurbishment and expansion of the existing station presents a hug
19/03/2014
Social Development Minister, Nelson McCausland, has announced funding of £179,000 to refurbish the Community Centre at Tullyally in L'Derry. The project aims to restore the Tullyally Community Centre to a condition where community services can be delivered in a modern and fit for purpose building.
19/03/2014
Over 160 years old and home to North Down Borough Council, historic Bangor castle has made the positive move towards energy efficiency by converting from oil to natural gas. The decision was made along with a range of initiatives to reduce the building's energy consumption. The castle was chosen as
19/03/2014
Sinn Féin Enterprise Spokesperson, Phil Flanagan, has said the announcement of a £134m cash injection into refurbishing schools was a "good day" for education and a boost to the construction industry. Mr Flanagan said: "The Education Minister's announcement of 51 school refurbishment projects worth
19/03/2014
Designer Louise Kennedy returned to her native Tipperary to open the first family room in Nenagh Hospital which is for relatives of patients who are seriously ill or near the end of life and those families who are bereaved. The room was funded under the Design & Dignity Grants Fund which is operate
18/03/2014
Clare County Council says it has received confirmation from Jan O'Sullivan, T.D. Minister for Housing and Planning, of her decision to allocate €1.25 million for the development of 6 social houses at Glaise na Rinne in Shannon. The allocation forms part of a two-year €68 million Local Authority hom
18/03/2014
The Minister for Environment, Community, and Local Government, Mr. Phil Hogan T.D., has announced that €2.975 million would be provided to local authorities for a dedicated Public Area Enhancement scheme for the busy summer tourist season. The Minister said: "2014 has been a challenging year so fa
18/03/2014
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has visited the site of a new £11.5million family housing scheme at Mill Road, Newtownabbey. The development, on the site of the former Felden Government Training Centre, will provide 97 new homes for families on the social housing waiting list. The new
18/03/2014
South Dublin County Council (SDCC) has announced that the Council has received approval from the Department of Environment Community and Local Government to proceed to build 15 housing units at an estimated cost of €3.4m at the following three locations: • Belgard Road, Tallaght (3) • St Finian's,
18/03/2014
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has announced a new project to develop plans for an integrated transport hub on the site of the Old Waterside Station in L'Derry. The Minister's announcement follows consultation undertaken by Translink on proposals for a new rail station in L'Derry which has ident
18/03/2014
Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has announced that the entrance fee to Carrickfergus Castle is to be waived from 22 to 30 March. This will provide more people the opportunity to view at first hand the excavation work taking place at the castle. Although the excavations will be fenced off for sa
18/03/2014
Education Minister John O'Dowd has announced that 51 school enhancement projects have received approval to commence. The School Enhancement Programme, which was established in January 2013, is designed to enable the refurbishment or extension of school buildings. In October, the Department of Educa
18/03/2014
The Department for Social Development has approved £568,600 to complete the funding package of £5.6million for the regeneration of Brooke Park. The project will transform 19 acres of public parkland in the heart of Londonderry. Work is due to commence on the project later this year with the wider
18/03/2014
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has announced the start of work on a £230,000 resurfacing scheme on the A25 Castlewellan Road this week. Resurfacing work on the 1.35km stretch of the A25 Castlewellan Road, Clough, from the Drumcaw Road is expected to start on Tuesday 18 March 2014. The first phase
18/03/2014
A Co Antrim farmer was fined £2,000 at Lisburn Magistrates' Court today, for making a polluting discharge to a waterway, Mr George Anderson, of Tullyard Road, Lisburn, pleaded guilty and was ordered to pay Court Costs of £22 and an Offenders Levy of £15. On 8 January 2013, a Water Quality Inspec
14/03/2014
Sinn Féin deputies have launched the Wind Turbine Regulation Bill 2014. This bill deals with the construction of industrial wind turbines, set back distances from properties and the use of energy generated from these wind turbines. Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on Environment, Community and Local Gove
14/03/2014
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has announced a £380,000 scheme to resurface 3.2km of the A2 Garron Road, Carnlough. The Minister said: "The much anticipated Giro D'Italia has chosen the A2 Antrim Coast Road as one of its key stages and this illustrates its importance in terms of tourism growth wi
14/03/2014
A €15m fund to bring vacant local authority houses back into use has been launched by Minister for Housing and Planning, Jan O'Sullivan, TD. Local authorities have been asked to submit their proposals for funding under the scheme by 28 March next. Minister O'Sullivan will then make allocations as s
14/03/2014
The Smart Grid Innovation Hub has announced that EcoWatch has been named 'Ireland's Most Promising Start-up' for a Smart Grid solution or service. Limerick-based EcoWatch scooped the top prize of up to €10,000 in funding for its work to develop Smart Distribution Network Monitoring Solutions. MD Co
14/03/2014
Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn TD, has opened a new school building at St Michael's House Special National School, Raheny, Dublin 5. The eight-classroom school, which replaces the existing building, received €5.5m in capital funding from the Department. St Michael's House Special
14/03/2014
SDLP MLA for Mid Ulster and Chair of the ETI Committee and Chair of the All Party Working Group on Construction, Patsy McGlone has called for clarity following speculation that the consortium appointed to build a new police training college at Desertcreat near Cookstown may have pulled out of the pr
14/03/2014
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has announced master planning exercises for Donaghadee and Comber, to set out the regeneration plans for both towns. The master plans will present a framework within which detailed proposals can be developed for a mix of business, tourism, leisure, publ
14/03/2014
Fianna Fáil has expressed serious concerns about revelations of widespread water pollution as Irish Water prioritises spending on consultants, management layers and glossy advertising campaigns. It comes as a new report from the EPA reveals that raw sewerage is seeping into water systems in 42 town
13/03/2014
"The Irish energy sector has never been more vibrant and has really caught the attention of overseas markets with 11 international trade delegations attending The Energy Show to explore export and import opportunities with Irish suppliers," said Dr Brian Motherway, CEO of Sustainable Energy Authori
13/03/2014
On the eve of the deadline for final bids on the IBRC mortgage book, the Fianna Fáil Finance Spokesperson Michael McGrath has called on the government to intervene to ensure that the 13,000 mortgage holders are fully protected when their mortgages are sold on by the Special Liquidator KPMG. The dea
13/03/2014
Fine Gael Clare Senator, Martin Conway, has welcomed the announcement from the Office of Public Works (OPW) that €8.27 million has been allocated to improve flood defences in Clare. Senator Conway added that two EU studies published recently by the European Commission further underline the import
13/03/2014
Fine Gael Meath West TD, Ray Butler, has welcomed confirmation from the Minister for Education, Ruairí Quinn TD, that Trim will be the location for one of four new Educate Together primary schools expected to open this September. It comes after a survey was carried out in Trim asking parents on th
13/03/2014
Strategic expansion and a string of deals with retail and hospitality heavyweights have helped McCue Crafted Fit retain its place among Ireland's top performing firms for a second year. The local fit-out specialist joined a number of other Northern Ireland businesses on Deloitte's list of Best Mana
13/03/2014
Jimmy Deenihan TD, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, has welcomed confirmation from his colleague, Brian Hayes, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works, that an allocation of €1,226,920 is being made available to Kerry County Council for repair and r
13/03/2014
Galway East Deputy Michael Kitt has called on the Government to provide support to the St Vincent de Paul voluntary housing project at Ozanam House in Ballinasloe. The Fianna Fáil Deputy raised a special debate in the Dáil this week on the social housing crisis, which he says is escalating out of c
13/03/2014
Sinn Féin MLA Fra McCann has said it is important that a speedy review is carried out to establish the facts of allegations made in the Spotlight programme. Mr McCann said: "Sinn Féin has been on record in the past of raising our concerns on the allocation of housing. "It is important that housing
13/03/2014
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has announced that a £280,000 improvement scheme for sections of Middlepath Street and Bridge End in Belfast is set to begin on Tuesday 18 March. The resurfacing scheme is expected to be complete by mid-April. Mr Kennedy said: "The scheme will deliver a
13/03/2014
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has announced funding of £70,000 to upgrade the existing heating system at Creggan Country Park, a social enterprise business in Londonderry. Creggan Country Park is a social economy business which has developed a green space on the northern outskirts o
13/03/2014
Balfour Beatty's UK and Ireland construction business has announced the appointment of Stuart Curl as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). An experienced executive with a strong IT services and long term complex contracts background, Stuart joins Balfour Beatty from G4S, the international security soluti
12/03/2014
Joe Costello TD, Minister for Trade and Development, has welcomed an announcement by the Minister for Housing and Planning, Jan O'Sullivan TD, of a €2.5m investment in a new Dublin City Council housing development in Ballybough, Dublin 3. The additional funding will see nine much-needed homes bu
12/03/2014
Irish energy company Vayu has signed a multi-million euro electricity supply and energy monitoring deal with Cemex, one of Ireland's largest and most successful building materials companies. The deal provides Cemex with direct access to transparent wholesale electricity market prices across 30 sit
12/03/2014
The Green Party has called on councils to release lands so that housing co-operatives and families can build their own homes and rejuvenate communities. The party's local election candidate in Dublin's North Inner City, Ciarán Cuffe, has accused Local Authorities of hoarding valuable land banks an
12/03/2014
Speaking at an anti-fracking seminar in Sligo, Sinn Féin MEP candidate for the Midlands North West, Matt Carthy, has pledged his support for the campaign to prevent fracking in Ireland. Councillor Carthy is attending a seminar organised by Uisce Domhain Ltd, a water quality and environment protec
12/03/2014
There is a substantial and growing body of international scientific evidence that shows there is no link between wind turbines and adverse health effects and no credible evidence exists to the contrary, the Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA) said. IWEA was responding to a report in the Irish Exam
12/03/2014
Deputy Michael Colreavy, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, has said that any future deal between Ireland and Britain on exporting wind energy must be for the benefit of the Irish people. Speaking following a meeting between Taoiseach Enda Kenny and British Prim
12/03/2014
Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar has announced €620,000 to further develop several key tourism attractions in Dublin – the restoration of the historic church bell which was the first Catholic Bell to ring in Dublin in breach of the Penal Laws. The five projects which all form pa
12/03/2014
Education Minister, John O'Dowd, has officially opened a refurbished art block at St Joseph's College, Coleraine. The £163,000 investment under the minor works scheme has seen the upgrade of facilities for pupils studying art and pottery. The Minister said: "Since my appointment as Education Minis
12/03/2014
Enterprise and Energy, Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster has highlighted the role social enterprises can play in creating prosperity through renewable energy generation. The Minister was speaking as she opened the Social Enterprise and Community Renewable Energy (SECRE) Conference, hoste
12/03/2014
Turley Associates has been appointed the design team to take forward a planning application for the Queen's Parade Development Scheme. Turley Associates will be required to design proposals for a major mixed-use scheme and obtain planning approval. In May 2013, the Department stepped in to purchase
11/03/2014
Labour TD, Sean Kenny, has welcomed the rebuilding of Buttercup Park in Darndale as part of a €68m two year local authority house building initiative. Mr Kenny said: "Buttercup in Darndale will see a €7.9m investment under the initiative which will produce 35 new homes. This funding is an investmen
11/03/2014
Labour Senator Denis Landy has this week called on Eirgrid to urgently review their proposals to spend 4bn Euros of taxpayers money expanding the transmission network in light of the withdrawal by Britain from discussions on an Inter-Governmental Agreement with Ireland to purchase energy created by
11/03/2014
Fianna Fáil TD Robert Troy has said the collapse of a deal with the British Government to supply wind energy from a massive wind farm in the Midlands does not exempt the Government from having to answer serious questions about the local impact of its energy policies. Deputy Troy said: "Our communit
11/03/2014
The Smart Grid Innovation Hub has announced the shortlist for the competition to find the most promising start-up for a Smart Grid solution or service. The winner, who will be announced after a pitch competition on 12th March at the 2014 Energy Show in Dublin's RDS, and is in line to receive €10,0
11/03/2014
Mainstream Renewable Power's founder and CEO Eddie O'Connor has been awarded the Poul la Cour award for his outstanding contribution to wind energy, at the European Wind Energy Association’s annual conference in Barcelona. The Poul la Cour prize recognises exceptional achievements in the field of w
11/03/2014
Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has announced planning approval for a £10 million extension for artisan food producer Finnebrogue. The 2,250 sqm extension at the company's existing premises at Down Business Park, Downpatrick represents phase one of a larger scheme of investment in Down Business
11/03/2014
Social Development Minister, Nelson McCausland, has announced funding of £247,300 to carry out structural and refurbishment work to extend the usable space in the Gasyard Centre. The Gasyard Centre, in keeping with the original Gasworks site, consists of two drums with the main building built betwe
11/03/2014
Dublin Bay North Labour TD Sean Kenny has welcomed the launch of a €15m fund that will see vacant local authority housing redeveloped and brought back into use as social housing. Mr Kenny said: "Local authorities have been asked to submit their proposals for the funding by 28th March next. Minister
11/03/2014
ESB and Galetech Energy have announced the third instalment of The Mountainlodge Community Fund. The fund, which is administered by Community Foundation Ireland, will open for applications today, Tuesday 11th March 2014. The fund is designed to support eligible projects and communities located wi
11/03/2014
The Revenue Commissions has announced the publication of Local Property Tax (LPT) Self-Correction Guidelines. The guidelines outline how property owners can self-correct their LPT return in respect of under-valuations and exemptions or deferrals incorrectly claimed. Property owners who under-decl
10/03/2014
Sinn Féin EU Midlands Northwest candidate, Matt Carthy, has described media reports of the possible shelving of proposed large wind farms across the midlands, if true, as "a victory for communities who have been campaigning and making their voices heard on this issue". Mr Carthy said that it was no
10/03/2014
Helping local communities recover from the recent severe storms, Minister for the Environment, Community & Local Government, Phil Hogan, has informed local authorities of funding allocations under the €70m programme announced by Government on 11 February, for repairs and associated costs following s
10/03/2014
Electric Ireland launched its first loyalty programme, Powering Rewards today. This is a special Rewards programme for more than one million Electric Ireland residential gas and electricity customers, which is designed to provide a choice of special rewards and treats. Speaking at the launch, Ele
10/03/2014
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has announced two resurfacing schemes for the Kells area with a total investment of £230,000. The two schemes on the B98 Greenfield Road and the C48 Woodgreen Road will provide 2.6km of new asphalt surfaces. The works are due to begin on Greenfield Road on Thursda
10/03/2014
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has announced a £380,000 investment scheme to resurface 3.2km of the A2 Garron Road, Carnlough. Mr Kennedy said: "The much anticipated Giro D'Italia has chosen the A2 Antrim Coast Road as one of its key stages and this illustrates its importance in terms of tourism
10/03/2014
Fine Gael Meath West TD, Ray Butler, has welcomed an announcement from the Department of Education that three new classrooms and a new technology room are to be built at Scoil Mhuire in Trim. Mr Butler said: "This announcement will come as very welcome news to students, staff, parents and all those
10/03/2014
The Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA) has highlighted that the sector is geared up to deliver over 180 new projects, which will be key to Ireland meeting its 2020 targets, reducing emissions and delivering energy security while also making a significant economic contribution in terms of jobs and
10/03/2014
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has visited the public realm improvement scheme recently completed in Antrim town centre. The scheme has improved the appearance and vitality of the town centre, introducing natural stone footpaths, new street lighting, street furniture and trees in Mar
10/03/2014
Speaking in response to the announcement that the government has cancelled plans to export energy from renewable resources to Britain, Sinn Féin's David Cullinane said the campaign for an All-Ireland energy policy that puts communities first will continue. Senator Cullinane said: "Sinn Féin is firm
10/03/2014
Jimmy Deenihan TD, Minister for Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht, has announced further funding of €120,000 for the completion of the Historic Towns Initiative pilot programme in Listowel, Youghal and Westport. The Minister announced the funding at the launch of Listowel's Heritage Trail which was p
07/03/2014
The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) is currently holding a range of free briefings around the country on the new building regulations and the construction register. Members and non members of the CIF are invited to attend, the only requirement is that they register in advance. There is no
07/03/2014
Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn TD, has announced that Gilroy McMahon Architects is the winner of an international design competition for primary schools. The winners receive a €10,000 award, with the second and third placed entries each receiving a prize of €2,000, with the commend
07/03/2014
Sinn Féin Spokesperson on the Environment and Local Government, Brian Stanley TD, has strongly criticised Minister Phil Hogan's record in the Dáil. The Laois/Offaly TD was scathing of the Minister's role in establishing Irish Water, in failing to bring forward the Climate Change Bill, and breaking
07/03/2014
Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has recommended planning approval to redevelop a former PSNI Station in North Belfast for housing. The 0.7 hectare site is located on North Queen Street between the Westlink and Clifton House. The proposal by Apex Housing is to demolish the vacant PSNI buildings a
07/03/2014
Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has announced an extension to the archaeological excavations at Carrickfergus Castle, Ireland's best preserved Anglo-Norman castle. Archaeologists have now completed three weeks of exploratory excavations at this site, as part of the ongoing work by the Department
07/03/2014
Sinn Fein Housing spokesperson Dessie Ellis TD has said that the government are failing to protect the right to a home. He made his comments as part of a debate on the performance of the government since elected. Speaking to the Minister for Housing he said: "We have well over 110,000 men, women
07/03/2014
Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn TD, has officially opened an extension and new General Purpose Hall, at Fenor N.S, Tramore, Co Waterford. The Department had provided Fenor NS more than €500,000 under the Prefab Replacement Initiative 2012 for the replacement of three mainstream clas
06/03/2014
Deputy Michael Colreavy, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has criticised a 1.47% increase in tariffs for domestic gas customers. Deputy Colreavy said: "The Commission for Energy Regulation have today announced that they have approved a 1.47% increase in gas bil
06/03/2014
Fine Gael Laois/Offaly TD, Marcella Corcoran Kennedy, has welcomed confirmation from Minister for Communications, Pat Rabbitte TD, that a full cost benefit analysis is being carried out to look at whether it is mutually beneficial for Ireland and the United Kingdom to reach an agreement to facilitat
06/03/2014
Clare County Council has commissioned an external independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the depositing of asbestos-cement materials at a number of sites throughout West Clare. The council says it has informed the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) of its intention to remove th
06/03/2014
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte TD, has announced that his Department has, following a public procurement process, selected international oil and gas experts Wood Mackenzie to advise on the "fitness-for-purpose" of Ireland's current oil and gas fiscal terms. M
06/03/2014
Minister of State for Natural Resources, Fergus O'Dowd TD, has welcomed the annual Survey of Mining Companies results published by the Fraser Institute of Canada, in which Ireland ranked fourth in the world among 112 jurisdictions for good mining policy. Jurisdictions with the highest scores are:
06/03/2014
SkyClad Ltd, one of Ireland's leading steel manufacturing facilities of Roof and Wall Cladding, Insulated Panels and Steel Frame Structures, announced the opening of a new UK office, located in the City of Manchester. SkyClad's UK office offers client's specialist expertise from concept of design r
06/03/2014
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has announced the start of a £85,000 improvement scheme at Kircubbin Road near Ballywalter. The resurfacing scheme is expected to begin on Monday 10 March 2014 and be substantially completed by early April 2014. Mr Kennedy said: "This scheme will greatly improve th
06/03/2014
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has confirmed his commitment to begin a consultation exercise on potential traffic calming measures on Lang's Road, Armagh. The scheme includes proposals to install five speed ramps along the stretch of road to the rear of the Gaol which is frequently used by motori
05/03/2014
Brian Stanley TD, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on the Environment has welcomed the decision by Dublin City Council to abandon plans to build a waste incinerator at Poolbeg. He also called on the City Manager Eoin Keegan to withdraw what Deputy Stanley claims is a spurious threat that scrapping the plan wi
05/03/2014
The European Investment Bank has agreed to provide €150m to support construction of a new connection between the Red and Green lines on Dublin's light rail tram system, LUAS. The new engagement by the EU's long-term lending institution will support construction of a new 5.6km link, 13 additional s
05/03/2014
Following a record number of investment property transactions in 2013, property consultants Savills Ireland has said that the value of turnover in the market could exceed €3bn this year. In their latest market outlook, Savills note that 140 investment property sales worth almost €2bn took place in
05/03/2014
Labour MEP for Dublin, Emer Costello, has welcomed progress made on the issue of service charges for apprentices at a meeting between the Technical Engineering and Electrical Union (TEEU) and the Minister for Education & Skills, Ruairi Quinn. Costello facilitated the meeting between both sides afte
05/03/2014
Ulster Unionist MLA, Tom Elliott, has said that the public must be made aware of any business found to be selling illegal fuel in Northern Ireland. Speaking after it emerged that 467 filling stations have been caught stocking illicit fuel here in the last four years, Mr Elliott described HM Revenue
05/03/2014
Sinn Fein Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty TD has said that the Government has failed to address the mortgage crisis. Deputy Doherty said: "Currently, 17.9% of all mortgages are in arrears. "Legislation is needed to protect the holders of all mortgages sold to unregulated companies. "Recourse
05/03/2014
SDLP MLA Patsy McGlone has welcomed an assurance from Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster that her department is working on an application to seek EU funding to help with the upgrade of NIE's power grid. The Mid Ulster MLA, who is chair of the Assembly's ETI committee, asked Arlene Foster about the m
05/03/2014
Environment Minister Mark H Durkan is calling on farmers to apply for grazing and cropping rights on 250 acres of conservation land. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has 11 opportunities for farm businesses to tender for grazing and cropping rights on more than 250 acres of land manag
04/03/2014
Minister for European Affairs and local Dublin Central Deputy, Paschal Donohoe TD, said the development of the central DIT campus at Grangegorman has the potential to radically transform the face of Dublin's north inner city. Minister Donohoe was at the site with the Minister for Public Expenditure
04/03/2014
SIPTU has warned Irish Water that several main contractors and sub-contractors working on its Water Meter Installation programme are not honouring agreements in relation to rates of pay and other benefits due to workers. SIPTU Sector Organiser, Martin Meere, said: "SIPTU organisers have made numero
04/03/2014
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has announced the start of work on the first phase of its National Training Centre on the National Sports Campus with a sod turning ceremony. Those in attendance included Minister Leo Varadkar TD, Minister Joan Burton TD, FAI CEO John Delaney, DDSL Chairma
04/03/2014
SDLP Councillor Angela Dobbins has welcomed the decision to complete essential maintenance work on the wall at Culmore Point Road in L'Derry. At a special meeting of the Environmental Committee, it was agreed by Derry City Council, Rivers Agency, Loughs Agency and Roads Service that the retaining w
04/03/2014
Fine Gael Dublin Senator, Catherine Noone, has said the success of the Big Energy Switch proves that by acting as a collective, consumers can greatly improve their bargaining power. More than 22,000 people have already joined the initiative, which aims to empower consumers to reduce energy prices.
04/03/2014
Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry has officially announced the commencement of the construction phase for the development of a new £12m Performing Arts and Technology Innovation Centre (PATIC) at the South Eastern Regional College (SERC) in Bangor. Speaking during the sod-cutting ce
04/03/2014
Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has recommended planning approval for a £12m conversion that will transform the iconic Scottish Mutual Building in Belfast. Listed building consent has also been approved to sympathetically convert the Grade B1 Listed Building into a boutique hotel opposite the Ci
04/03/2014
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has announced that the £190,000 improvement scheme on C552 'Five Mile Straight' from Glenshane to the Brackaghreilly Road is set to move into its second phase. Mr Kennedy said: "This is a significant investment and will greatly improve the strength and su
03/03/2014
Property consultants, Savills Ireland, were the most active real estate investments agency in Northern Ireland in 2013, according to Estates Gazette. The property publication's 'Deals Competition' compiled the number of transactions completed by agents between 1 January and 31 December 2013. Savil
03/03/2014
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Michael Moynihan TD, has called for the appointment of a medical professional, Dr Graham Roberts, to the expert panel appointed by the Government to investigate the viability of putting high voltage electricity cables undergro
03/03/2014
A Bill by Fianna Fáil, to protect the IBRC mortgage holders whose mortgages are being sold, is to be pressed in the Dáil next week during private members' time. If enacted, the Protection of Residential Mortgage Account Holders Bill would ensure that any mortgage holder whose mortgage is sold to an
03/03/2014
Plans to build a £3.8m park and ride facility at Ballymartin have been given the go-ahead. Work on the scheme near Templepatrick, which will comprise 428 car parking spaces, is expected to start this summer and take around one year to complete. Transport Minister, Danny Kennedy said: "The aim of p
03/03/2014
Speaking in Westmeath after meeting with residents who suffered from the severe flooding of 2009 and who are presently in a constant state of fear for their homes, businesses and farmlands, Sinn Féin's Midlands North West EU candidate, Matt Carthy, hit out at the Government for failing to attempt to
03/03/2014
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has announced the start of a £105,000 major resurfacing scheme for Quarry Lane, Dungannon, Co Tyrone. The resurfacing will extend from the junction with Ardgannon to the mini roundabout at the junction with Donaghmore Road. The Minister said: "This schem
03/03/2014
Mainstream Renewable Power has announced the appointment of Barry Lynch to its Board of Directors. Barry has been with Mainstream since 2008 and is responsible for the procurement, construction, project finance, equity sale and operations functions of the company's onshore wind and solar plant glo
03/03/2014
Clare Labour TD Michael McNamara has welcomed the government's decision to provide €16.8m to carry out necessary repairs to storm damaged coastal areas of the county. He said the decision by the Department of the Environment to grant Clare County Council €16.2m, specifically to repair local author
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