Author: Kevin Barry BSc(Hons) MRICS

Understanding Reprofiling of Capital Expenditure in the UK Government Context Reprofiling of capital expenditure refers to the strategic adjustment of the timing and allocation of government capital spending—such as investments in infrastructure, buildings, and major projects—across fiscal years, without necessarily altering the overall total budget envelope. This process is often undertaken to align spending with […]

Bangor Marina, located in the coastal town of Bangor, County Down, Northern Ireland, is the largest marina facility on the island of Ireland, with over 500 berths and a prestigious five-gold-anchor accreditation. Opened in 1989, it transformed the town’s historic harbour—originally renovated in 1917—into a modern boating hub on Belfast Lough, capitalizing on Bangor’s long-standing […]

As of September 30, 2025, several construction-related projects and frameworks in Northern Ireland are out to tender or open for ongoing applications. These include dynamic shortlisting systems (frameworks that remain open for suppliers to apply) from the Education Authority, as well as specific tenders aggregated from industry sources. Note that public tenders are typically advertised […]

Overview of Light Rail Concepts Around Strangford LoughBased on available information, there are no existing or proposed light rail (or tram) concepts specifically designed to loop around Strangford Lough in County Down, Northern Ireland. Strangford Lough is a large marine inlet spanning about 150 square km, with a perimeter that would require a loop of […]

Contained below is a summary of the main law reform currently being advanced by the Northern Ireland Executive (and Assembly) around Dilapidations / derelict / neglected sites & buildings. Key Reform: The Dilapidation Bill The principal legislative development is the Dilapidation Bill, which has been approved by the NI Executive (5 June 2025) and is […]

The resurgence of interest in building new towns or large-scale urban developments in the UK and Ireland The resurgence of interest in building new towns or large-scale urban developments in the UK and Ireland stems from a combination of acute housing shortages, rapid population growth, economic pressures, and the need for sustainable, infrastructure-supported communities. This […]

The growing problems with ductwork and pipework in new buildings across the UK, and particularly in Northern Ireland, stem from a combination of systemic, technical, and regulatory factors. While the issues are multifaceted, a common pattern is emerging, characterized by underfunding, poor design, inadequate installation practices, and insufficient maintenance planning. Below is a detailed analysis […]

The Regulated Asset Base (RAB) model is a financing approach designed to attract private investment into large infrastructure projects by sharing construction and operational risks between developers and consumers. Under this model, a company is granted the right to charge consumers for the construction and operation of new infrastructure through their utility bills, providing a […]

Following the Ards and North Down Borough Council’s recent decision to maintain a hybrid operating model for leisure services (rejecting full outsourcing or privatization), balancing the books will require a mix of revenue enhancement, cost efficiencies, and strategic planning. This approach aligns with the council’s 2025/26 budget, which already incorporates £1.7 million in efficiencies and […]

Barometer of NI Construction activity update Overview As of September 26, 2025, Northern Ireland’s construction sector continues to show overall expansion based on official Q2 2025 data, but with significant underlying vulnerabilities. The NISRA Construction Output Bulletin for Q2 (April-June 2025) reported a 15-year high in output, up 3.8% quarterly and 7.3% annually. However, this […]