Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for January 2022
31/01/2022
Work has started on a £750,000 double glazing scheme in the Creggan area of Newry. Housing Executive tenants are benefiting from the new glazing which will also make a significant difference in terms of the carbon footprint of the area. More than 240 homes have had their windows upgraded by contra
31/01/2022
Repairs have been completed following a large burst impacting customers in areas of the City west of the Corrib, Barna and Moycullen in Galway. Water services crews from Irish Water worked as quickly and as safely as possible to repair the burst and restore water to impacted customers. Pumping has
31/01/2022
The McAvoy Group is delivering three new educational facilities valued at £40 million on behalf of the Department for Education (DfE). These latest projects are The Cavendish School in Cambridgeshire, Merstham Park Secondary School near Reigate, and Laureate Academy in Hemel Hempstead. The Cavend
31/01/2022
The recently published review into Northern Ireland's planning system is a massive missed opportunity Alliance Infrastructure spokesperson Andrew Muir MLA has said. The North Down MLA added the Infrastructure Minister should re-consider her decision not to pursue numerous key changes recommended by
31/01/2022
Work has been completed at Limavady's new accessible play park. Paralympic athlete Sally Brown and pupils from Rossmar School were the special guests at the official opening. Located at Roe Mill Recreation Grounds, the facility offers state-of-the-art play opportunities for children of all ages an
31/01/2022
There was been a steady increase in homelessness for single people, families and children during 2021, according to a new report. The latest Dublin Regional Homeless Executive Homelessness Report revealed a dramatic drop off in exits from homelessness compared to 2019 and 2020 and a very high level
28/01/2022
Ward & Burke Construction is to start work in the Swan Village area in Laois to secure the water supply in the area. Working in partnership with Laois County Council, Irish Water is replacing 2.9km of old problematic water mains along the R430 through Swan Village with new, modern pipes which will
28/01/2022
Eli Lilly and Company has announced plans to invest over €400 million in a new manufacturing facility in Limerick. The investment project is subject to planning approval and the company will submit a planning application with Limerick City and County Council in the coming weeks. The new facility w
28/01/2022
Improvement works have started at the courtyard area and car park at Pomeroy Forest in Mid Ulster. The works have been funded under DAERA's Rural Development Programme. The £197,000 funding will see the development of the old courtyard area in Pomeroy Forest to include an imaginative feature space
28/01/2022
Labour housing spokesperson Rebecca Moynihan has welcomed the announcement that the Department of Housing will encourage local authorities to scale up their use of compulsory purchase orders to tackle dereliction. Senator Moynihan said the move must be backed up with a robust vacant property tax.
28/01/2022
With a space station orbiting above our heads and manned travel into outer space now a regular occurrence, it is easy to imagine that outer space construction projects, such as on the surface of the Moon, could soon become a reality. This likelihood is one for which the Japanese government and Koma
28/01/2022
Sinn Féin is calling on the government to adopt a strategy to expand the use of Low-Emission Slurry Spreading (LESS) technology. Spokesperson on Agriculture, Matt Carthy TD was speaking following an engagement with the Farm and Forestry Contractors of Ireland at the Oireachtas Committee on Agricult
27/01/2022
A feasibility study is to be carried out into the use of Cathal Brugha Barracks for social and affordable housing. The Green Party has been calling for the barracks to be used for housing for a number of years. In 2018, the Green Party introduced a motion to the Dáil calling for both Cathal Brugha
27/01/2022
Advanced site works on the Enniskillen Southern Bypass scheme have begun. The works include site clearance, fencing and NIE diversionary. Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon said: "I acutely recognise that the Enniskillen Southern Bypass scheme is of significant importance to the town of Ennisk
27/01/2022
The EPS Group has started work to build Kilrush Wastewater Treatment Plant in Co Clare. The firm was appointed by Irish Water. The project involves the construction of a new state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant and sewer pipelines that will serve a population equivalent of approximately 6,7
27/01/2022
Completion dates for road and footpath resurfacing works have been confirmed in the Portmore Hall development in Crumlin. Sinn Féin MLA for South Antrim, Declan Kearney welomed the announcement. He said: "Local residents raised concerns with me about the poor condition of roads and footpaths in Po
27/01/2022
Labour is calling on the government to take real action rather than repeated PR exercises to deliver real change for renters. Highlighting the exponential increase in rents throughout the country, Housing spokesperson Rebecca Moynihan said crucial problem areas remain ignored by government. Senat
27/01/2022
Work has commenced on Iniscarn forest improvements following an investment by DAERA and Mid Ulster District Council, at Iniscarn Forest, which lies to the west of Desertmartin. The work is being carried out in partnership with Forest Service NI. Council Chair, Councillor Paul McLean welcomed the
27/01/2022
Advanced Safety Management Ltd. (ASM Group) is a health and safety consultancy firm with offices in Cork and Dublin. ASM Group have been offering their services nationwide since 2003; such services include, but are not limited to, General H&S Consultancy, independent PSDP, independent PSCS, Safety R
26/01/2022
Coffey Water has started works to upgrade Ahascragh Wastewater Treatment Plant. The works are taking place to end the discharge of inadequately treated wastewater into the Bunowen River has commenced. Irish Water, in partnership with Galway County Council, are upgrading the plant to provide treatme
26/01/2022
NI Water has won a major Green Apple Award 2021 for restoration work carried out at Tullychurry Forest, Co. Fermanagh and Lough Bradan forest Co. Tyrone. The accolade was awarded under the Green Apple Awards for Environmental Best Practice Category and work was carried out on behalf of NI Water by
26/01/2022
Funding of €65 million has been approved for 497 projects under the 2022 Summer Works Scheme in Ireland. Minister for Education Norma Foley TD made the announcement. Minister Foley said: "I am announcing the Summer Works Scheme projects now so that schools have a good lead-in period to plan and de
26/01/2022
NI Rural Affairs Minister, Edwin Poots has visited one of the first rural halls to benefit from his £2 million fund to refurbish around 50 similar community facilities across Northern Ireland. During his visit to Glenloughan Orange Hall in Kilkeel, he saw the poor condition it was in which highligh
26/01/2022
Evidence of growth within the construction plant and forestry sectors can be seen in a number of job openings at leading Komatsu distributor, McHale Plant Sales – all fuelled by what company chairman, Michael McHale says is "an uplift in the economy, renewed confidence on the part of plant users, an
26/01/2022
The Northern Ireland and Irish government's have agreed a new all-island strategy to safeguard the country's traditional rural landscapes and buildings. Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey and the Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Malcolm Noonan TD have s
25/01/2022
Grant has announced a new partnership with the Irish Green Building Council (IGBC), which will see the leading home heating solutions company supporting the IGBC in accelerating the decarbonisation of residential heating. Pat Barry CEO at the Irish Green Building Council said: "Decarbonising our ho
25/01/2022
Ballyclare-based Hagan Homes has installed a life-saving Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) at its Tides development in Carrickfergus. The installation of the device, which is an essential life-saving tool that gives a high energy electric shock to the heart of someone who is in cardiac arrest,
25/01/2022
An NI Green Party Councillor has called on the Infrastructure Minister to increase funding for active travel and cycling infrastructure. Cllr Brian Smyth said: "The NI Executive only spends around £2 per person on active travel, compared to £66 per head of population in the Republic of Ireland. Inc
25/01/2022
City development plan apartment rules should be based on housing need and not on developers' profits, according to Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin. Teachta Ó Broin said: "The draft development plans for Dublin City and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown are seeking to limit the proliferation of bui
25/01/2022
Irish Water and Cork City Council are starting the next stage of the Cork South Docks Network Extension and Upgrade Project. The €1.2m investment in the project will deliver increased water supply capacity to the South Docks, which is essential to facilitate future development and economic growth i
25/01/2022
The Green Party has secured funding of €289 million for walking and cycling infrastructure in 2022, covering approximately 1,200 Active Travel projects across Ireland. Funding for Active Travel has increased substantially since the Green Party entered government, going from €45 million in 2019 to
24/01/2022
Energy firm ESB has placed a €500 million 1.0% fixed-rate green bond, maturing in July 2034. This is the second green bond the energy company has issued in less than three years, following their placement of Ireland’s first corporate green bond in 2019. The net proceeds from the transaction will
24/01/2022
A programme for providing greenway development support to Councils has been announced. Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon made the announcement. She said: "Last year, I announced over £4 million of capital grant funding in support of Council greenway projects. "Councils have welcomed this fun
24/01/2022
A Pre-Application Community Consultation process has launched for the proposed new Park and Ride at Dungiven, L'Derry. The facility which will be located to the southwest of Dungiven town, at the new Feeny Road Junction along the A6 Dungiven to Drumahoe dual carriageway, will provide 207 spaces, (i
24/01/2022
Artemis Technologies has opened a new facility on Belfast Lough. The firm is preparing to commence testing of its transformative new Artemis eFoiler(R) electric propulsion system. The 42,200 sq ft facility in Titanic Quarter's Channel Commercial Park, will house the company's manufacturing and eng
24/01/2022
Fine Gael has welcomed the government's announcement to allow vacant and derelict properties to be turned into homes without the requirement for planning permission TD and Member of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy Emer Higgins, said: "Supply is the b
24/01/2022
Fianna Fáil Senator and Seanad Spokesperson on Housing, Senator Mary Fitzpatrick, is urging Sinn Féin to drop their objections to the delivery of 1,700 social and affordable homes in Dublin Central. Senator Fitzpatrick commented: "I am calling for Sinn Féin to drop their objections of the LDA usi
21/01/2022
The Office of the First and deputy First Minister have announced the start of construction work on the £15m Ebrington Hotel. The development includes £7.25 million through the NI Investment Fund and £1.75 million from Invest Northern Ireland. The Ministers were joined by developers Cecil Doherty a
21/01/2022
Two new publications have been launched to improve the quality, cost-effectiveness and pace of delivery of social homes and mixed-tenure developments. Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien TD presented a Design Manual for Quality Housing, and a Review of Pre-Construction Processes for Social Housing Con
21/01/2022
Mercury Engineering has held a key event to launch its Leadership Programme 2022. A collection of 20 leaders from across the business came to the Clayton Hotel Leopardstown in Dublin for the event, selected by senior management as high performers and key leaders in the organisation. Speaking at th
21/01/2022
The latest allocation of funding to Northern Ireland government Departments has sparked a further call for an Infrastructure Commission. Alliance representative Andrew Muir MLA has welcomed the £68 million awarded to the Department for Infrastructure, but expressed concern that £35.9 million of cap
21/01/2022
Clonmel Enterprises has submitted an application to close Sweetbriar Lane in Kilmacud, Co Dublin, to support an active travel scheme. The application received by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council proposes the route be closed from Monday 28 February until Monday 14 March. Sweetbriar Lane is sche
21/01/2022
The Department for Infrastructure has come under pressure to commit to key upgrades on the L'Derry rail line. Sinn Féin MLA has urged Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon and her Department to take action with these vital improvements. The Foyle MLA said: "In 2020 studies were announced for th
21/01/2022
The announcement of changes coming regarding the entitlement to use red diesel have been met with some criticism. Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has spoke out claiming the April changes "won't reduce emissions" and instead "increase revenues for the British Treasury". "It will hit businesses ha
21/01/2022
A road improvement scheme has boosted safety for pedestrians in the County Down village of Millisle. The Department for Infrastructure led a £85,000 scheme along Abbey Road, which included the provision of a two metre footway along with necessary earthworks, kerbing and associated drainage works a
21/01/2022
A team of Irish Water engineers has restored supply in Kildare following a burst main. The national utility worked with Kildare County Council to restore water supply to customers in Leixlip, Shinkeen Road, Celbridge and surrounding areas. Dedicated water service crews were mobilised yesterday mo
21/01/2022
A programme of roadworks is set to get underway later this month in Annahilt, Co Down. Approximately £124,000 is being invested to resurface a section of The New Road from the Windmill Road to the Glebe Road for 2.3 kilometres. Work will get underway on Monday 31 January 2022 and is expected to
20/01/2022
A new fund has been launched to support environmental water quality projects in Northern Ireland. DAERA Minister Edwin Poots announced the £220,000 fund, with 11 local organisations benefitting, each securing grants of between £5,000 and £30,000. The Water Quality Improvement Strand of the Enviro
20/01/2022
NIE Networks is stepping up its plan to enhance the Northern Ireland electricity network with a £50 million investment over the next three years. The company has announced plans to create 110 new jobs to boost the electricity network to help tackle climate change and boost economic recovery.
20/01/2022
Government representatives have joined local residents in calling to save 36 protected trees in Seahill. An application is being considered by Ards and North Down Borough Council to fell the trees. Green Party NI North Down MLA Rachel Woods has written to the Council expressing concern about the
20/01/2022
Northern Ireland architects have put their support behind the immediate implementation of Nearly-Zero Energy Building regulations in the region. The Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RSUA) responded to the consultation from the Department of Finance on behalf of architects across Northern Irelan
20/01/2022
Engineers Ireland is launching a campaign calling on industry organisations to offer opportunities for local schools. As part of the STEPS Engineers Week 2022 taking place nationwide from Saturday 05 - Friday 11 March, engineering firms have been asked to consider 'Adopting a Local School' for a di
20/01/2022
Irish Water is continuing its efforts to reduce leakage across Westmeath with a number of projects scheduled for 2022. The national utility began work last month to replace old and problematic water mains along the R390 in Ballinea in Mullingar to reduce bursts and water outages that were impacting
20/01/2022
A new government bill has been introduced which seeks to place a construction industry register on a statutory footing. While calling the The Regulation of Providers of Building Works Bill 2022 "long overdue", Sinn Féin representative Eoin Ó Broin confirmed his party will not oppose it when it is
20/01/2022
A £160,000 flood alleviation scheme has reached completion in Newry, providing increased support to a number of local homes. Work took place at Greenan Road, which involved culverting a 40 metre section of open watercourse, upgrading 120 metres of existing culverted watercourse and the construction
20/01/2022
A new Bill has been launched which aims to stop rogue builders and developers getting planning permission where they have a history of defective building. The new legislation from Sinn Féin representative Eoin Ó Broin TD amends the Planning and Development Act. Launching the Bill, Deputy Ó Broin s
20/01/2022
A programme of water mains improvements has been completed in the County Waterford town of Dungarvan. Led by Irish Water, the project along the Gold Coast Road began in October 2021 and saw approximately 1,450 metres of water mains replaced with new, modern pipes. These works were carried out as pa
19/01/2022
Social homes provider Radius Housing has pledged its support to drive greater mental health awareness across Northern Ireland. The company has been supporting Aware NI for the past three years, raising £50,000 to support their work delivering mental health and wellbeing programmes across the region
19/01/2022
Material, manufacturing and construction costs are set to increase from April, resulting in an estimated £20 to £25 million charge in Northern Ireland. The warning has been issued by four of Northern Ireland's leading Trade Bodies for the construction, mineral products and manufacturing sectors ah
19/01/2022
Views are being sought on Belfast City Council's draft Urban Innovation Framework 2022-2027 to address major urban and economic challenges. The 'Smart Belfast' framework aims to support innovators from across local industry, universities and the public sector to meet these challenges. Chair of the
19/01/2022
The team behind the ongoing works to assess the Castlerock Station Footbridge has provided clarity on the state of the project, slamming recent "inaccurate' media reports. Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council issued a statement to inform the public of the state of the works. The statement rea
19/01/2022
The Irish government has come under pressure to deliver state-led investment to realise the country's potential of becoming a world leader in green hydrogen production. Sinn Féin representative Darren O'Rourke TD, who published the Hydrogen Strategy Bill 2021 in December, has called for greater use
19/01/2022
A flood alleviation scheme along the Lagan near Stranmillis Weir has sparked local outrage after the removal of hedgerows and trees that were previously home to a variety of wildlife. South Belfast Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw has condemned the Department for Infrastructure's destruction of these na
19/01/2022
Proposals have been set forward to develop a market framework to drive forward low-carbon heat networks' growth in Northern Ireland. Published by the Department for the Economy, the proposals aim to develop heating networks which could offer a cost-effective mechanism to reduce emissions in a way
19/01/2022
The majority of residents in the County Clare town of Ennis have put their backing behind an immediate form of pedestrianisation. Data from Clare County Council's Ennis pedestrianisation survey found that 71.2% of all respondents would like to see some form of pedestrianisation 'immediately', 20.3
19/01/2022
A host of infrastructure projects are continuing to progress well across Mid and East Antrim despite impacts from Covid-19. Divisional Roads Manager, Mr Colin Hutchinson issued an update on the 2021/22 works being undertaken, including major resurfacing schemes completed on the A2 Garron Road Carnl
19/01/2022
A programme of water mains improvements is set to take place in the Stonefield area of Kilcorney, Co Cork. Irish Water is working alongside Cork County Council to replace 1.3km of problematic watermains as part of a National Leakage Reduction Programme. Beginning in late January, the works will a
18/01/2022
A programme of repair and upgrade works is continuing to progress at Haulbowline Naval Base in County Cork. Defence Minister Simon Coveney visited the site to see firsthand how the team is moving forward with work on Block 8 Accommodation Block and the Spencer Jetty. Haulbowline Block 8 is a four
18/01/2022
The Construction Employers Federation has put forth its key requests for the next Northern Ireland Executive ahead of the Assembly Election later this year. The organisation has published its Manifesto for the 2022 NI Assembly Election, outlining the need for a sustainable recovery from the Covid-1
18/01/2022
Work has got underway on a cycleway and footway scheme in Drumahoe, Co L'Derry. The Department for Infrastructure is investing £125,000 to deliver this scene on the A6 Glenshane Road, extending along the northern side to provide approximately 570 metres of new Cycleway / Footway from the Drumahoe
18/01/2022
An event is set to take place in Belfast's Ormeau Park as part of the Council's One Million Trees project. Members of the public are being encouraged to plant trees across the city, with the Council giving trees away to a good home on Saturday, 22 January. Taking place at the bandstand in Ormeau P
18/01/2022
Construction firm Farrans has reaffirmed its commitment to the local community in Northern Ireland by extending its partnership with Arts & Business NI for a fourth year. Arts & Business NI is a membership organisation for cultural and commercial businesses in Northern Ireland: members range from t
18/01/2022
Work is progressing well on the development of a new apartment complex directly on top of the Dublin Port Tunnel. Main contractor Bennett Construction is working to deliver the new design and build project, bringing 124 new apartments to the area across two blocks. Construction began on the scheme
18/01/2022
FK Lowry has secured a new platinum accreditation from Constructionline. Constructionline is a register for pre-qualified contractors and consultants used by the construction industry in the UK. The database is accessed by over 2,000 organisations including central government, local authorities & m
18/01/2022
Leading Irish manufacturer O'Reilly Group has been recognised for its carbon reduction with an accolade from Ecocem. The concrete precast products manufacturer was awarded the Ecocem Ireland Carbon Saving Certificate from 2021, in recognition of the company reducing its carbon output by up to 6,44
18/01/2022
Residents across Mid Ulster are being encouraged to take part in the Fuel Stamp Scheme. Since launching in 2015, the scheme has helped users save over £3 million worth of stamps. The collection cards and £5 fuel stamps are available from approximately 80 retailers across the Mid Ulster area.
18/01/2022
A call has been issued for applications to repair and conserve historic structures in Galway under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2022. Galway City Council and the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage are inviting submissions from small-scale, labour-intensive projects to repai
17/01/2022
The former Chair of Choice Housing, Hazel Bell has been recognised for her contribution to the NI Housing Sector and wider community with an OBE. Hazel, who is a long-standing Board member at Choice, has spent the last 41 years working to address the growing need for housing provision across Northe
17/01/2022
A new innovative cycle track has opened in Dungarvan, Co Waterford, to allow young children to learn on a 'real life' road structure. The new amenity area, featuring Ireland's first outdoor 'Learn to Cycle' track, was unveiled at a ceremony, adding to existing play facilities at the Linear Park.
17/01/2022
Northern Ireland's key broadband intervention scheme Project Stratum is set to be extended to an additional 8.500 premises across the region. Economy Minister Gordon Lyons announced the extension plans, which will see additional public funding of £32 million utilised to expand the scheme in predom
17/01/2022
A programme of improvement works has been launched at Ecclesville Forest Park in Fintona, Co Tyrone. Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is leading the work, which aims to improve the biodiversity and recreational amenities at the park. Under the project, trees will be harvested along the Ecclesv
17/01/2022
An essential new storm sewer is set to begin construction on the Cregagh Road in Belfast later this month. Work will take place on Cregagh Road, between Tildarg Street and Willowholme Parade, and Loopland Park, starting on 24 January 2022. This project will help serve a new housing development on
17/01/2022
A call has been issued for government support to working people who are experiencing fuel poverty. This comes after Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey announced a £200 payment to help people in receipt of benefits. While welcoming the scheme, SDLP representative Mark H Durkan has urged Minister H
17/01/2022
Active travel schemes are continuing to make a difference across County Tipperary thanks to over €5.1 million funding. A total of 35 towns and villages in Tipperary have shared the funding to boost active travel works. In March 2021, Tipperary County Council was allocated €4.6m to fund an ambitious
17/01/2022
Views are being sought on the future development of County Cork with the publication of the Proposed Amendments to the Draft County Development Plan. The Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Gillian Coughlan has issued a reminder this is the last opportunity for the people of County Cork to make subm
17/01/2022
Night-time works have taken place to help recover reservoir levels in Trim, Co Meath. Irish Water deployed a team to address the issues following an electrical failure at Trim Water Treatment Plant over the weekend. During the works water supply was restricted from 8pm yesterday, Sunday 16 January,
17/01/2022
Fermanagh and Omagh Local Development Plan (LDP) draft Plan Strategy 2030 is ready to enter a key phase later this week. The Strategy will undergo Independent Examination hearing sessions starting tomorrow, Tuesday 18 January 2022. Once adopted, the LDP will set out the long term social, economic
14/01/2022
The deadline is approaching for submissions regarding the future of the rail network across the whole island of Ireland. Northern Ireland's Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon and Irish Transport Minister Eamon Ryan jointly published a consultation paper on 29 November 2021 to seek feedback from
14/01/2022
A play park in Newcastle, Co Down, is set to close for a major refurbishment project. Downs Road Play Park will close on Monday 17 January to facilitate the work, which aims to deliver more inclusive play equipment to suit children of all abilities. When the park reopens in April 2022, residents
14/01/2022
A programme worth over £1.8 million is being brought forward to improve outdoor recreation in Mid Ulster. Led by Mid Ulster District Council, the works will include the revitalisation of civic spaces, upgrades to outdoor play opportunities and improved access to outdoor recreation. Under this inve
14/01/2022
Members of the public are being urged to take part in the new Environment Strategy consultation before it closes next week. Closing on Tuesday 18 January, the consultation will inform the strategy which aims to set out Northern Ireland's environmental priorities for the coming decades. When complet
14/01/2022
Farrans Construction is getting ready to begin improvement works on the water supply in County Sligo. Beginning in mid-January, the construction firm will replace 100m of old cast iron watermains along Tobergal Lane to provide a more safe and secure water supply for customers in the area. These wor
14/01/2022
Plans are moving forward to the Púca of Ennistymon artwork in County Clare. Following a rejection to erect the structure in Ennistymon, the artwork will now be offered to other North Clare towns, villages and community operated tourism sites through an Expressions of Interest process. The Púca wa
14/01/2022
Rent across Ireland has risen by almost 70% in the last 11 years, new Eurostat figures have revealed. Labour representative Rebecca Moynihan has responded to the alarming figures, calling for a rent freeze and several structural changes to address the issue. Senator Moynihan said: "The failed poli
14/01/2022
The Irish government has published a new Bill which is set to advance the voluntary registration of builders set up in 2014 by the Construction Industry Federation (CIF). The Regulation of Providers of Building Works Bill 2022 will enable the development of a registered log to ensure a required qua
14/01/2022
The recently-announced Energy Payment Support Scheme has been met with some criticism, with a DUP MLA claiming it excludes some struggling families. DUP MLA Stephen Dunne slammed Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey for "floundering" on the issue of fuel poverty. The North Down MLA said: "Using cri
14/01/2022
Upgrades are set to get underway on the water supply in Tallanstown, Co Louth. Irish Water and Louth County Council are joining forces to replace 1.5km of old, cast iron water mains along the R171, Louth Hall and R166. GMC Utilities Ltd will serve as contractor for the works. The old mains will be
13/01/2022
Plans to provide a one-off payment of £200 to vulnerable people struggling to meet rising energy costs have been approved. This £55 million Energy Payment Support Scheme will see around 280,000 eligible people secure the funding support. Those in receipt of pension credit, universal credit, income
13/01/2022
The newly formed Housing Commission has met for the first time, chaired by former Housing Agency CEO John O'Connor. The Commission will serve to examine long-term housing policy, beyond 2030, and report to the government on how to build on policy changes committed to under Housing for All. Chair J
13/01/2022
The Scarriff Regeneration Project in County Clare is set to progress immediately to shovel-ready status following new investment. Approximately €524,000 was pledged to the scheme under the Rural Regeneration Development Fund (RRDF), becoming one of 27 landmark regeneration projects in rural communi
13/01/2022
Work has begun to extend the existing cycleway and footway facilities along Dublin Road in Omagh. The Department for Infrastructure is leading the scheme, which will see 530 metres of new cycleway/footway delivered from Belvedere Park junction towards the junction of Ballynahatty Road along the Wes
13/01/2022
A Newry-based demolition firm and man have been struck with fines for breaching waste management legislation. Francis Gerard Mc Parland, 62, was fined £6,000 at Newry Magistrates Court for two breaches, while company F Mc Parland & Co Ltd was hit with a £6,000 fine for one breach. Between Novemb
13/01/2022
A national programme aimed at reducing leakage is continuing to make a difference, with over 33 million litres of water being saved per day in Limerick City and County last year. Irish Water, together with Limerick City and County Council and delivery partner Shareridge, is delivering water network
13/01/2022
An initiative has launched in Cork which aims to reduce the number of plastic bottles used in schools. First introduced in 2020 by Cork County Council, the scheme provides schools with contactless water refill stations to encourage students and teachers to fill their reusable bottles with filtered
13/01/2022
The number of people experiencing homelessness in Dublin is continuing to steadily increase, new figures have shown. Data published by the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE) revealed 4,019 households were living in emergency accommodation across the Dublin region in November 2021, including 1
13/01/2022
Irish Water has continued to extend its Small Towns and Villages Growth programme, naming another community in Cork set to benefit from the scheme. Glanworth has been named as the sixth settlement in the County to take part in the programme, with Kilumney/Ovens, Ballineen/Enniskean, Belgooly, Balli
13/01/2022
A road in the County Antrim village of Armoy is set to close for improvements. The Department for Infrastructure is investing £308,000 to resurface the A44 Drones Road, between Ballyportery Road and Pharis Road. Work will begin on Monday 17 January and is expected to reach completion by Sunday 30
12/01/2022
Plans are moving forward for a new £45 million Northern Regional College campus in Ballymena following a key appointment. Heron Bros Ltd has agreed a deal to serve as lead contractor on the project, which will see the college's existing sites at Farm Lodge, Trostan Avenue and the Lamont Building c
12/01/2022
Work to improve the traffic management in Cork city centre is progressing well with a scheme on MacCurtain Street. This key project will improve the reliability and journey times of bus services in the city centre, while also providing improved walking and cycling infrastructure along the city qua
12/01/2022
An innovative project to improve the water quality in Gweedore Bay, Co Donegal, is making great strides forward. Over half of the pods have been installed as part of the Demonstration Project, with the remainder of the works expected to take a further four months to complete. Led by Irish Water a
12/01/2022
Green Party leader Clare Bailey has called for a ban on single-use plastics in Northern Ireland. This comes after it was revealed that over four million items of single-use plastics are dumped in NI every week. Speaking about the alarming statistics, Bailey said: "There is projected to be more p
12/01/2022
Mayo County Council has received plaques commemorating works which saw the local authority significantly reduce its emissions. The SEAI Energy Efficiency Measures plaques were presented by Project Coordinators Clár ICH in December. This project was funded by SEAI's Community Scheme and represents
12/01/2022
The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) has announced a couple of key changes to its Northern Ireland advisory board. Former Choice Housing director Niall Sheridan has been named as the new chairperson of the board, taking over from Eileen Patterson who has finished her tenure as chair and retired
12/01/2022
Members of the public are being encouraged to have their say on housing in Northern Ireland. A public consultation has been launched on the Department for Communities' draft Housing Supply Strategy, which aims to create a housing system that can deliver 100,000 plus homes over its 15-year lifetime
12/01/2022
Two towns in County Cork are set to be transformed with new investment from the Rural Regeneration Development Fund (RRDF). Almost €2 million has been granted to Cork County Council to support projects in Fermoy and Macroom. More than €1.5 million has been awarded to Fermoy to deliver a town cent
12/01/2022
Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) NI is calling on industry members to take part in a mental health survey. The survey has been developed due to the bad record Northern Ireland's construction industry has of failing to support workers who have mental health issues. This anonymous surve
12/01/2022
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has come under pressure to bring forward a plan urgently to help Northern Ireland households impacted by the Emergency Fuel Payment Scheme issues. DUP MLA Stephen Dunne slammed the Minister for her "ongoing silence" and called for immediate clarity on how the sch
11/01/2022
Plans to bring over 1,000 new homes to Kilcarbery in Clondalkin are continuing to progress. Work is already underway on site to deliver 250 homes, with the first social homes due for completion in the second quarter of 2022. The 600 private homes include a comprehensive range of three and four-bed
11/01/2022
Shocking figures have revealed more than 220 million single-use plastics (SUP) are dumped in Northern Ireland every year. This new data highlighted how more than 1.3m SUP cups and 3m SUP food containers are thrown away each week. DAERA Minister Edwin Poots said: "Each year, we throw away 70 milli
11/01/2022
The County Longford town of Granard is set to go under development thanks to new investment. Almost €1.4 million has been awarded to deliver key regeneration projects in the heart of the town. The allocation is part of €21.5 million being made available under the Rural Regeneration Development Fun
11/01/2022
Monaghan's historic linear earthwork, the Black Pig's Dyke is set to be protected for years to come under a new Conservation Management Plan. Members of the public are being urged to come forward and help inform the plan for the earthwork which dates back to the Iron Age. One well preserved secti
11/01/2022
Members of the public have been invited to have a say in the future of development of Drumboe Woods and the wider wooded area in County Donegal. Donegal County Council has launched a feasibility study to identify priorities to support the sustainable expansion of the Woods. Commissioned by BASICC,
11/01/2022
Climate targets must remain central to the work under the Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy 2022-2042, a Labour spokesperson has said. Deputy Ivana Bacik delivered a submission to the National Transport Authority (NTA), calling for all transport policy and strategy planning to be carried out
11/01/2022
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has published its second Annual Progress Report of the Climate Change Action Plan 2019-2024 (CCAP). The CCAP includes a total of 144 actions across the five themes of Energy & Buildings, Transport, Flood Resilience, Nature Based Solutions, and Resource Managem
11/01/2022
New findings from Social Justice Ireland have sparked a call for greater government work to secure affordable housing across Ireland. Labour representative Rebecca Moynihan spoke out following the report, calling for an urgent review of HAP limits to better represent the reality of the housing mar
11/01/2022
Homeowners with space within their home have been encouraged to take advantage of the rent-a-room relief. The rent-a-room relief allows those who rent out a room to earn up to €14,000 tax free, helping homeowners make ends meet and it also increases the availability of rooms and the supply of accom
11/01/2022
Sinn Féin has put the emphasis on ambition in response to the public consultation on the Road Safety Strategy. The party's Newry and Armagh MLA, Liz Kimmins said the strategy must be ambitious to protect people on Northern Ireland roads. "We need to have the right measures in place to improve road
10/01/2022
Northern Ireland-based contractor McAleer & Rushe has secured a £42 million contract for a student accommodation scheme in England. Under the Global Student Accommodation (GSA) contract, a 1970s office building in Norwich city centre will be transformed into a new 684-bed student residence. Desig
10/01/2022
Two key heritage sites along the Limerick Greenway are set to go under development after securing new investment. Approximately €600,000 has been awarded to the Ardagh Station House and Abbeyfeale Railway Goods Shed projects under the Rural Regeneration Development Fund. This investment will suppo
10/01/2022
A new study has been confirmed to investigate any potential options to reduce flood risk in Omagh town. Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon announced her Department is currently engaging with its partner consultant to re-visit the most recent flood study for Omagh Town. A study was previously c
10/01/2022
The Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has announced the launch of a new Assured Skills Collaborative Welding Academy at Southern Regional College, with 12 training places. Successful applicants to the Academy will receive industry-standard welding training that will provide them with the skills to take
10/01/2022
Applications are being sought to support on-farm projects costing in excess of £30,000 across Northern Ireland. DAERA Minister Edwin Poots opened Tier 2 of the Farm Business Improvement Scheme - Capital (FBIS-C), inviting applicants to take advantage of the financial support. Minister Poots said:
10/01/2022
A call has been issued to the government to help realise the potential of Ireland's largest freshwater lough. Lough Neagh, which supplies Northern Ireland with 40% of its drinking water, is in need of development, with the Lough Neagh partnership calling on the relevant government agencies to step
10/01/2022
A key carriageway in Lisburn is set to be significantly upgraded thanks to a new £308,000 scheme. The Department for Infrastructure is leading resurfacing works on the A30 Glenavy Road, stretching from the Ballymacash Road to Bensons Road for 2.3 kilometres. Work is scheduled to begin on Monday 1
10/01/2022
Work is moving forward to deliver a more secure water supply in Cork city as part of a key rehabilitation programme. Irish Water and Cork City Council are collaborating to replace a further 1.9km of problematic water mains in the Beaumont area. This follows on from mains work in November, with the
10/01/2022
The government has come under pressure to fast track the Simon Homeless Prevention Bill after alarming statistics came to life regarding children experiencing homelessness. New data has revealed that 2,548 children are homeless across Ireland, sparking a call for urgent action to protect the most
10/01/2022
Residents in some areas of Cork city have been warned of a potential disruption to water supply during key improvement works. Irish Water is working alongside Cork City Council to install new water mains connections in Eagle Valley, Wilton. As a result, there may be disruption to supply for homes a
07/01/2022
Senior infrastructure specialist Niall Gleeson has been announced as the new CEO of Irish Water. The national utility has appointed Mr Gleeson to the newly-created role following over two years serving as managing director. Creating the new role is part of Irish Water's move away from parent gro
07/01/2022
A new distributor road to the south west of Kilkenny City has officially reached completion. Construction firm SIAC delivered the project, which involved building three new roundabouts, 2.3km of carriageway, footpaths and cycle tracks, as well as two new bridge structures. Further works included th
07/01/2022
Plans to build a new, treated water storage reservoir in Enfield, Co Meath, have taken a major step forward. Contractor Coffey Water Ltd has signed a contract to build the new facility, which is expected to provide a safer, more reliable water supply for homes and businesses in the area. When comp
07/01/2022
A Coleraine-based property management company has been struck with a fine over failing to removing asbestos during refurbishment work in County Antrim. Oriental Developments Limited was prosecuted for health and safety failings at an industrial unit in Ballybrakes Business Park, Ballymoney. The com
07/01/2022
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has faced criticism for "dragging her feet" on properties in Knocknagoney, Belfast. East Belfast DUP MLA Robin Newton has hit out at the Minister, calling for action to help address the housing issues in the area. "Deirdre Hargey received a Housing Executive ec
07/01/2022
Work has recommenced on the Tallaght District-heating network following a short December break. The project, which involved excavation and pipe-laying works, will get underway again on Belgard Square North from Monday 10 January. These works will require the closure of the eastbound lane of Belga
07/01/2022
The Belturbet Town Regeneration Plan in County Cavan is set to move forward with new investment under the Rural Regeneration Development Fund (RRDF). As one of 27 national landmark regeneration projects to secure investment, this scheme will move forward with €210,960 in seed funding. The funding
07/01/2022
The introduction of Northern Ireland's Emergency Fuel Payment Scheme earlier this week has been meet met with serious concerns. Following problems with the website yesterday, 06 January, Green Party NI MLA Rachel Woods has voiced worries surrounding the scheme. "For months, the Executive has bee
07/01/2022
A programme of key water supply upgrades is continuing to progress in the County Wicklow village of Barndarrig. The project, which first got underway in November 2021, involves the construction of over 3km of new water mains and ancillary works linking Barndarrig to Redcross Water Treatment Plant,
07/01/2022
The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) is encouraging firms to focus on health and safety throughout January under its annual initiative. Safety Reboot, which will take place over the next month, asks construction companies to stop work for about 15 minutes once a week to focus on key areas o
06/01/2022
A total of 27 landmark regeneration projects in rural Ireland have taken a major step forward with new investment. Funding of €21.5 million has been announced to support those projects under the Rural Regeneration Development Fund (RRDF). Among the successful applications are Edenderry's Regenerat
06/01/2022
Radius Housing has announced a new partnership with charity Air Ambulance NI. The leading Northern Ireland housing association will hold events throughout 2022 to help raise vital funds that will support Air Ambulance as it provides critical support in emergency incidents. Radius Housing's staff p
06/01/2022
A deal has been struck for the first phase of the Antrim Boardwalk Refurbishment Works. Local firm Martin Contracting has signed on to deliver the works. This project is being brought forward with £130,500 funding from the Department for Communities and Department for Infrastructure for this firs
06/01/2022
Plans for an extension at the City Cemetery in L'Derry have been green lit. An application to build an additional 950 plots at the site were unanimously approved during Derry City and Strabane District Council's January Planning Committee meeting yesterday, 05 January. The plans also include int
06/01/2022
A new LED street lighting system is set to be installed in Lurgan Town Centre. Work will begin in the County Armagh town on Monday 10 January 2022 to upgrade the existing lights with new LED lights which retain the architectural style and daytime appearance of the original lanterns. This £125,000
06/01/2022
A plea has been made to make every electricity utility pole across Ireland available as EV charging points to improve access across the country. Calling for better EV access to help reduce carbon emissions, Fine Gael Senator John McGahon said: "In the city of Melrose in Massachusetts they have mad
06/01/2022
A £500,000 upgrade scheme to improve car parks in town centres and villages across Antrim is moving forward. Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council reached completion on the first phase of the project, with the next phase expected to begin in early 2022. Phase One of Antrim Central carpark has b
06/01/2022
More homes and businesses in the County Offaly village of Rahan are set to benefit from an improved water supply as key upgrades progress. A further phase of Irish Water's mains upgrade works is to get underway in the area, which will see 5km of ageing water mains replaced with new modern pipes be
06/01/2022
Three Antrim villages have been awarded funding to support their recovery after a difficult couple of years. Over £710,000 was secured for the regeneration of Templepatrick, Doagh and Burnside under the Covid Recovery Small Settlements Regeneration Programme. This investment will see schemes such
06/01/2022
A programme of essential operational works is set to take place at Drogheda Wastewater Treatment Plant next week. The works, which are scheduled for Tuesday 11 January between 8am and 6pm, will facilitate maintenance and minor repairs on site. Irish Water has issued a warning over potential inte
05/01/2022
Leading Northern Ireland-based firm Farrans Construction has struck a deal to deliver a new £50 million senior living village in England. The multi-million pound development in Bedfordshire will consist of a 72-bed care home, eight-bed short stay unit and 88 independent living apartments for the o
05/01/2022
A €44 million project to deliver the new Killaloe Bypass, River Shannon Crossing and upgrade of the R494 scheme is moving forward. John Sisk & Company has secured the Main Scheme Works contract for the project, with construction expected to begin on site in late March 2022. Commenting on the appo
05/01/2022
Work on the Upper Liffey Valley Sewerage Scheme is progressing to help address the wastewater issue in the area. This scheme forms part of a €38 million investment to solve the flooding issues in the area and provide additional capacity to support the building of houses, schools, attract new indust
05/01/2022
McHale Plant Sales popular Sales Director John O'Brien has sadly passed away after a short illness, the company has confirmed. Management and staff at McHale were joined by other members of Ireland's construction equipment sector in mourning the death of John. A cherished friend to all within the
05/01/2022
A study has been launched at Trinity College Dublin on the importance of pollinators and their services to the natural world and society. This comes as unprecedented rates of ecosystem degradation and biodiversity loss have been reported globally. As pollination services are being affected globall
05/01/2022
People across Northern Ireland have been issued a reminder to protect their pipework during these winter months. NI Water has urged residents to check if they are 'lagging' behind neighbours, ensuring their pipes are well insulated to protect against the damage burst pipes can do. Des Nevin, NI
05/01/2022
Residents across Mid Ulster are being encouraged to take advantage of the Council's Energy Efficiency Scheme this winter. Mid Ulster District Council is calling on local people to utilise the scheme, which allows residents to contact the Council's Energy Advisor, who can then provide tailored suppo
05/01/2022
A programming of resurfacing work is set to begin in Dromore, Co Down, next week. The Department for Infrastructure is leading the £112,000 scheme, which will see the Backnamullagh Road improved over a 2.1km distance from the Grove Road to the A1 Hillsborough Road. Work will commence on Monday 1
05/01/2022
Water mains works are set to take place in Galway in the coming days to bring an improved supply to the city. Taking place across phases, Irish Water will work alongside Galway City Council to install approximately 770m of new iron mains. The new water main will increase security of supply and r
05/01/2022
A Boil Water Notice first issued on the Drumconrath Public Water Supply on 28 December 2021 is set to remain in place. Following consultation with the Health Service Executive (HSE), the Notice will serve as a precaution to protect the health of 1,227 customers following elevated turbidity levels
04/01/2022
A multi-million euro project to provide wastewater treatment for the first time in Arklow is continuing to progress. The landmark scheme, which represents an investment of €139 million, will see a new state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant delivered to protect the environment and improve water
04/01/2022
Plans to develop an extension along the popular Waterside Greenway have been boosted with new funding. Approximately £440k has been pledged to develop the Strathfoyle Greenway project, a 2.7km extension to the Waterside Greenway which will link Stradowen Drive in Strathfoyle to Derry city centre an
04/01/2022
Preparatory works have commenced for a new €8.5 million Pedestrian and Cycle Route in Balbriggan, Co Dublin. Landscaping and clearance work got underway on the scheme along the Harry Reynolds Road today, 04 January. Fingal County Council has appointed a contractor to carry out advance works along
04/01/2022
A new-look Local Authority Home Loan scheme has taken effect in Ireland from today, 04 January. Announced by Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien, the scheme aims to support access to homeownership for creditworthy homebuyers who otherwise find it difficult to access sufficient finance. Minister O'Bri
04/01/2022
The UK government has come under pressure to urgently address the spiralling energy costs across the region. Northern Ireland Finance Minister Conor Murphy has called on the government to take action to cut energy costs for families this winter. The Sinn Féin MLA said: "In November I called on th
04/01/2022
Members of the public have been invited to shape the draft Armagh Place Plan. Design firm Urban Scale Interventions (USI) is undertaking the development of the plan which aims to improve social, economic and environmental wellbeing. Two public consultation events have been announced to help inform
04/01/2022
Plans to launch a pilot lighting scheme on the Comber Greenway have been unveiled. Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has published a consultation report on the scheme, which proposes to light the urban section of the greenway. Speaking following the publication of the report, Minister Mallon
04/01/2022
Improvement works have been announced for Greenhill Cemetery in Omagh to increase accessibility for visitors. Led by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, the plans will see pathways refurbished around the cemetery. Proposed works include replacing grass roadways into Sections A and B and the hard
04/01/2022
Resurfacing work is set to begin in Addison Park, Lisburn, later this week. The Department for Infrastructure is investing £176,000 to improve the carriageway and footway in Addison Park. Work will take place from the Knockmore Road for a total of 937 metres through the Addison Park housing deve
04/01/2022
Extra funding of £2 million has been announced to support those impacted by the fuel price crisis. Approximately 20,000 families will benefit under the Emergency Fuel Payment Scheme, with investment from the Department for Communities, in collaboration with Bryson Charitable Group, the Consumer Co
