Architecture practice vHH has announce that it is planning to adopt the passive house standard on a three-storey extension to the Grade 11 listed Leicester Cathedral, which is due to start on site in July 2019.

CAMPAIGNERS AGAINST the M3 motorway claim they have stepped up their campaign by occupying a tunnel they say they have secretly dug under the proposed route that passes through the Tara Valley in Co Meath.

Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney has joined international experts to vehemently condemn plans by the Irish government to build a motorway through one of Ireland's most historically important areas. In his first broadcast interview on the controversy surrounding the M3 motorway that is already well under construction through the Tara Skreen valley, the Co Londonderry born poet condemned a "ruthless desecration" .

ALTHOUGH the Irish Heritage Trust (IHT) got the all clear to take over Fota House and Gardens shortly before Christmas, Brian Cowen has attached very stringent conditions.

Dartmouth Square near Ranelagh, Dublin, which has been at the centre of disputes between Athlone businessman Noel O'Gara and Dublin City Council since 2006, has been granted special conservation status by the council.

THE planned demolition of the Lismullen national monument in Tara to make way for the M3 motorway is being investigated by the European Commission.

An independent archaeologist has called for an inquiry into conservation works carried out at Skellig Michael by the Office of Public Works, following its admission that it has been dumping rock and spoil at the location.