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 […]
Educational Short Video Clips: Understanding Uses and Complexities in the Construction Industry As a hub for Quantity Surveying (QS) updates and construction insights, we bring you this curated collection of short educational video clips. These resources are designed to help professionals, students, and enthusiasts grasp the key categories and sub-categories within the construction industry. Focusing […]
Why the UK Construction Industry Should Explore Vinted for Sustainable and Cost-Effective Opportunities In an era where sustainability and circular economies are at the forefront of business strategies, platforms like Vinted are revolutionizing how we buy and sell second-hand goods. Originally known for fashion, Vinted has expanded its categories to include a variety of items […]
Housing completions across UK & Ireland (2015-2024) Comparing official housing completions across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Ireland (Republic of Ireland) over the past 10 years (2015–2024) is challenging due to differences in data collection, definitions, and reporting periods across these regions. Housing is a devolved matter in the UK, and each nation has […]