Intelligent building systems capable of automatically adjusting heating, cooling and lighting to slash energy use are being ignored by many construction firms who are failing to exploit the commercial and carbon benefits offered by such technologies.

Irish property company, Treasury Holdings has unveiled a masterplan for Battersea Power Station in London, which will provide eight million square feet of residential, office and retail space.

The following is an address by Mr John Gormley TD, Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, at a Public Consultation meeting - Conversations about Architecture and the Built Environment - in The Ark, Temple Bar, Dublin on Thursday 12 June 2008.

British architects and engineers have developed a unique way to keep Russians warm in minus 30°C winters - cover their buildings in 'intelligent fur coats' lined with green plants.

New York's Freedom Tower - the skyscraper being constructed on the site of the World Trade Centre - is to use fuel cells to power its heating and cooling systems, it has been revealed.

The Dublin Convention Centre recently received two international awards - the 2007 European Leisure Deal of the Year from Project Finance magazine and the 2007 Public Private Partnership Deal of the Year, awarded by Infrastructure Journal.

An Economic Development Strategy for the Metro North Economic Corridor (MNEC) - just launched by Fingal County Council and Indecon Economic Consultants - clearly outlines how the Metro North region - from Santry to north of Swords - will double the level of economic activity, increase employment to 66,700 jobs and increase its population to 128,000 over the next 20 years.

CRH company Williaam Cox has been awarded the contract for the design, manufacture and installation of the Lansdowne Road stadium roof, facade and internal screens.

Throughout 2008, Ballymun Regeneration Limited - a Dublin City Council initiative - will mark the 10th Anniversary of its multifaceted Masterplan for the regeneration of Ballymun.

Éamon Ó Cuív TD, Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs has launched the LEADER elements of the new Rural Development Programme at a reception in European Union House.