Purpose: To construct a bridge between the Ards Peninsula and Lecale close to the towns of Portaferry and Strangford, across The Narrows. {click on image below for NI Roads link}
To provide a comprehensive view of the housing market in Northern Ireland from 2014 to 2023, I have compiled data on housing completions, average house prices, average rents, and construction costs. The construction cost data is based on the Construction Output Price Indices (OPIs) published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which measure the […]
Based on the two documents “226718 NIAO Major Capital Projects_FINAL LW RES Complete.pdf” and “NI Audit Office Report – Major Capital Projects (follow-up).pdf”, here are the projects ranked by largest cost overruns: The report highlights systemic issues across projects including: The reports emphasize that while individual factors contributed to specific project overruns, there are fundamental […]
The Procurement Act 2023 is a significant legislative reform that overhauls public procurement laws in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Due to come into effect on 24 February 2025, the Act aims to simplify and modernize procurement processes, enhancing transparency, flexibility, and accessibility for suppliers. Key Differences from the Current System: In summary, the Procurement […]
In the Northern Ireland Executive, significant infrastructure decisions are primarily the responsibility of the Department for Infrastructure (DfI), led by the Minister for Infrastructure. Key Roles and Responsibilities: Decision-Making Process: While the Minister for Infrastructure holds significant authority over infrastructure matters, major decisions, especially those that are cross-cutting or controversial, are brought before the Executive […]
Following a productive meeting with Jim Shannon MP today, there are encouraging signs that cross-party cooperation – already proving effective on the Ballynahinch bypass project – could help advance the case for a Strangford Lough crossing. Mr. Shannon and Chris Hazzard MP are currently working constructively together to lobby Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd on delivering […]
The Northern Ireland Football Fund (TNIFF), formerly known as the Sub-Regional Stadia Programme, is an initiative by the Department for Communities aimed at investing in local football infrastructure across Northern Ireland. Announced by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons, the fund seeks to modernize and enhance football facilities, promoting participation and community engagement. Investment Strands: TNIFF comprises […]
Today, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced several significant infrastructure initiatives aimed at stimulating economic growth: These initiatives are part of the government’s strategy to enhance infrastructure, stimulate economic growth, and improve regional connectivity. Ireland has recently announced several significant infrastructure initiatives aimed at enhancing transportation, energy, and digital connectivity: Transportation Energy Digital Connectivity These developments reflect […]
In 2023, Belfast Harbour welcomed a record 158 cruise ship calls, bringing approximately 320,000 passengers and crew to the city. While the direct revenue earned by Belfast Harbour Commissioners from these cruise ship visits isn’t publicly disclosed, it’s noted that cruise tourism contributes an estimated £25 million annually to the local economy. Encouraging further investment […]
Tendering a building project in Northern Ireland involves adhering to specific procedures and regulations designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and compliance with both local and broader UK and EU procurement laws. Here’s an overview of the key rules and steps: 1. Understand the Procurement Thresholds 2. Develop a Tender Strategy 3. Prepare Tender Documents The […]
As a new service for clients, the above visual representation of cost tells a story. Below we help explain why a cost heatmap is beneficial for projects; in this example, 3 extensions were being added to an existing building. 2. Decision Making Support 3. Stakeholder Communication 4. Project Planning