On this day in Northern Ireland news history

PSNI Seek Information After Damage To New Antrim Properties
Police are seeking information after two newly constructed properties in the Antrim area were damaged by criminals. Just before 3am on Sunday, 30 June, it was reported that four individuals dressed in dark clothing entered the Reford Grove development and thrown objects.

Local Institutions Need Reformed - Alliance
Alliance has called for local institutions to be reformed despite the recent return of the Assembly and Executive.

Connswater McDonald's Restaurant Reopens After Refurbishment
The McDonald’s restaurant in Connswater, East Belfast, has reopened after undergoing a £1 million refurbishment.

Investigation Launches After Thefts And Attempted Thefts In Bangor
Detectives are urging anyone with information to come forward following a series of thefts and attempted thefts from businesses in Bangor. The thefts reportedly occurred between 12.45am and 1.50am in various locations within Balloo Industrial Estate on Sunday 30 June.

Lidl Partners With WWF On Five Year Strategy
Lidl, a major retailer, and WWF, a leading global conservation organisation, have launched a new five-year strategic partnership across 31 countries.

PSNI Launches Safer Summer Together Campaign
The Police Service of Northern Ireland has initiated its Safer Summer Together campaign, urging the public to enjoy summer responsibly while remaining vigilant about safety concerns.

Fibrus Supports Over 30 Northern Irish Community Groups
Over 30 Northern Irish community groups are receiving grants from Fibrus this year to improve internet and digital technology access across the region.

Michelle O'Neill Lays A Wreath At City Hall To Mark The Somme
Sinn Féin Vice President and NI's First Minister Designate Michelle O'Neill has joined Mayor Tina Black to lay a wreath at Belfast City Hall to remember those who lost their lives at the Somme.

DUP Welcomes Govt U-Turn On Legacy Proposals
The DUP has welcomed the UK government's u-turn on plans which would have allowed individuals guilty of sexual offences during the Troubles to gain immunity from prosecution.

Energy Price Increases Leave Families Unable To Afford Heating
Energy price increases is going to leave families unable to afford heating, SDLP Communities Spokesperson Mark H Durkan has warned. Mr Durkan made the comment as the latest energy price rise came into effect across NI.

Health Minister Pledges to Reshape General Surgery Services
Reshaping general surgery services will produce better, safer and more consistent care for patients across NI, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced. Minister Swann made the pledge as he published a Review of General Surgery in Northern Ireland.

Appeal For Information On Police Officer Assault
Police have renewed an appeal for information following an incident in Clogher in which two men, one of them a police officer, were assaulted. Issuing the appeal Sergeant Gracey said: "Shortly before 12.

Former BHS Building Redevelopment Approved
The redevelopment of the former BHS building in Belfast city centre and another new hotel in the Cathedral Quarter are among a number of major planning applications approved by Belfast City Council's Planning Committee.

Road Works Contracts Worth £20m Awarded
Contracts worth almost £20 million have been awarded for a range of road resurfacing schemes across NI, Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has announced.

£4m Fund Announced For NI Environmental Projects
Twenty eight environmental projects across Northern Ireland are to be funded from a new £4 million award announced by Environment Minister Edwin Poots.

NI Businesses Impacted By Skills Shortages
Northern Ireland businesses are experiencing the effect of ongoing skills shortages and recruitment challenges, according to the latest Business Barometer 2022 report from The Open University.

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson 'Determined To Unify' The DUP
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has said he is "determined to unify" the DUP as he makes his first public speech as the party's new leader.

PSNI Urged To Take Action On Newtownards Bonfire
Sinn Féin have raised concerns with the Health Minister and PSNI over a bonfire in Newtownards. MLA and party Health Spokesperson Colm Gildernew said: "The erection of a bonfire extremely close to a fire station in Newtownards is deeply concerning.

Benefit Support For Terminally Ill Patients To Be Reformed
The current rules around support provided for terminally ill patients is to be reformed with an extension of the terminal illness provision in social security benefits.

PSNI Launch Summer Safety Campaign
The PSNI have launched their Summer Safety Campaign – an initiative to encourage members of the public to have an enjoyable summer whilst being mindful of safety issues to watch out for.

Appeal For Witnesses To North Belfast Assault
Police have issued an appeal for witnesses following a report of an assault on a man in north Belfast on Tuesday 29 June. Issuing the appeal, Detective Sergeant Kitchen said: "A report was received at approximately 4.

Man Jailed At Newry Crown Court For Number Of Drug Offences
The PSNI's Organised Crime Branch have welcomed the sentencing of Paulius Alencikas after he plead guilty to a number of drug offences at Newry Crown Court.

Young People Urged To Get Their Vaccine
Young people aged 18 to 29 are being urged to get their Covid-19 vaccination as Northern Ireland's Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Adviser highlighted the importance of as many people as possible getting vaccinated.

Insurance Green Cards No Longer Needed For Cross Border Drivers
Northern Ireland drivers travelling to the South and the European Union will no longer need an insurance green card, Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has announced.

Robotics And Automation Research Project For NI's Agri-food Industry
A new research and development project to investigate the opportunities for robotics and automation in the NI Agri-food industry has been launched by Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots.

Parades Expected To Disrupt Traffic
Road users are advised of traffic delays this evening, Monday 01 July, due to a number of parades. With just days to go until the Twelfth celebrations, Orange Order lodges across Belfast and beyond will gather to mark the Battle of the Somme. Delays are expected from 5.

SF Mayor Lays Wreath At Somme Commemoration
Lord Mayor of Belfast John Finucane has laid a wreath to commemorate all those killed in the Battle of the Somme. The Sinn Fein councillor attended the ceremony at the Cenotaph at City Hall early this morning, Monday 01 July.

'No Honeymoon Period' For New Police Chief
As the new PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne was sworn into his new role today, an SDLP MLA has highlighted the list of pressing issues that await him.

Coalisland Shooting Condemned
Political representatives have hit out after shots were fired at a house in Coalisland, County Tyrone, this morning. Police have appealed for information and said the shooting, which occurred in the Loughview Gardens area at around 4am on Monday 01 July, was an "appalling attack".

Alliance Hopeful 'Abortion Images' Will Be Removed
An Alliance Councillor has expressed hope that "abortion imagery" will be removed from pro-life stalls in Belfast city centre. It comes as campaigners have set up stalls in the area to distribute leaflets on their cause.

Man Dies After 'One-Punch' Incident
A young man has died following what police said was a "one-punch assault" on a beach in County Down last week. 22-year-old Darren O'Neill was left in critical condition after the incident on Tyrella beach on Thursday evening, 27 June. Police confirmed on Sunday that he had later passed away.

Construction Sector Jobs Boost For Co Antrim
A company in County Antrim is set to create 68 new construction industry jobs over the next two years. The new roles at Dowds Group, a mechanical, electrical, facilities management and build contractor based in Ballymoney, will support the firm's planned export growth.

First Day For New PSNI Chief Constable
Today, Monday 01 July, marks the first day on the job for the new PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne. The 56-year-old senior police officer succeeds Sir George Hamilton, who is retiring after five years in the post.

Shots Fired At Co Tyrone House
Police are appealing for information after shots were fired at a house in County Tyrone early this morning, Monday 01 July. A house in Loughview Gardens, Coalisland, was targeted just after 4am. Six people in the house at the time were uninjured.

QUB Honours Carl Frampton
Belfast-born boxer Carl Frampton MBE has been awarded an honorary degree from Queen's University. Originally from north Belfast, 'the Jackal' has held the World Boxing Organization interim featherweight title since April 2018.

Man Seriously Injured In Co Down Collision
A man is in a serious condition in hospital following a two-car collision in Co Down. The incident happened on the Hilltown Road in Bryansford on Thursday evening, 30 June. Emergency services attended the scene and the man was airlifted to the Royal Victoria Hospital.

Battle Of The Somme: Overnight Vigils Held To Mark 100th Anniversary
A number of towns and cities across Northern Ireland have held overnight vigils to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. Several people attended a vigil in Newtownards, Co Down, to remember those who fought in the Somme.

Police Issue Fresh Appeal Following Fatal Crash In Co Fermanagh
Police have issued a fresh appeal for information after a pensioner was killed in a one vehicle collision in Co Fermanagh earlier this month. Cyril McGhee, 78, was killed after the car he was driving left the Gardiners Road in Tempo and hit a tree on Sunday, 19 June.

Tributes Paid After Linfield Supporter Dies At Windsor Park
Linfield Football Club has paid tribute to a supporter who collapsed and died during a football match at Windsor Stadium in Belfast. Emergency services rushed to help the man however they were unable to save him.

Council Urged To Vote Again Over Naming Of McCreesh Park
Newry and Mourne District Council is being urged to vote again over the naming of McCreesh Park following a recommendation by the Equality Commission. Patrick Street playground has been named after IRA hunger striker Raymond McCreesh.

BCC Announce Consultation On Future Development Of Belfast City
Belfast City Council (BCC) has called on those who live and work in the city to "have their say in how it will develop in the future". The council has published a Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) for its Local Development Plan (LDP), which in turn will help to shape the city and its growth.

Two Orange Halls Attacked In Co Down
Two Orange Halls have been attacked in Banbridge, Co Down. Republican graffitti was daubed on the walls of the Tanvally and Corbet Halls during the early hours of Friday morning, 01 July. A total of 12 Orange Halls have been targeted this year.

Man Arrested Over Violent Dissident Republican Activity Released
A man arrested in connection with violent dissident republican activity in Co L'Derry has been released. The 27-year-old suspect was arrested by police from the Serious Crime Branch on Thursday, 30 June. He has been released pending a report to the Public Prosecution Service (PPS).

Two Men Arrested After Ammunition Discovered In West Belfast
Police have arrested two men in connection with an ammunition find in west Belfast. Detectives made the discovery following a house search on Sorella Street on Tuesday. Two men, aged 50 and 51, have been arrested. They remain in custody at Antrim police station.

€24m Allocated For Rail Upgrades
Two rail schemes in Northern Ireland have been allocated €24m EU funding for upgrade work to be carried out. Up to €14,373,993.

Antrim Firm Targets New Business Outside The UK
First Forensic Solutions Limited in Antrim is investing in its future by targeting new business outside the UK. The ICT company sells expert witness services, training packages and specialist equipment to Law Enforcement agencies and the legal sector in the UK.

Minister Flanagan Attends Annual Somme Commemoration
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan TD, attended the annual Somme commemoration ceremony at Belfast City Hall. Minister Flanagan's participation in the ceremony marks the 99th anniversary of the start of the Battle of the Somme on 01 July 1916.

Call For More Police Resources In West Belfast
The UUP is calling for more police resources in west Belfast following a recent spate of attacks. Spokesperson Garet Martin condemned the attacks and said it is only a matter of time before more serious damage or injury is caused.

PHA And Cancer Focus NI Issue Advice During Heatwave
Advice on how to cope during the heatwave in Northern Ireland has been issued by the Public Health Agency and Cancer Focus NI.

Residents And Businesses Angry Over Flying Of Flags In Belfast
Residents and business owners in Belfast have expressed anger over the flying of flags in the Ormeau Road area. The SDLP is meeting with the PSNI to discuss the issue this week. MLA for south Belfast Claire Hanna is calling for an update Flags Protocol from the Northern Ireland Executive (NIE).

Belfast Giants Sign Mike Wilson
The Stena Line Belfast Giants has signed Mike Wilson for the 2015/16 season. Wilson, a 28-year-old defenceman from British Columbia, Canada, becomes the Giants 14th off-season signing and joins Jeff Mason and Matt Nickerson on the blueline next season.

250 Belfast Jobs Announced
250 Belfast jobs are to be created by a London-based recruitment firm, it has been announced. The First Minister and deputy First Minister announced today that Alexander Mann Solutions is establishing a global client service centre in Belfast.

Somme Memorial At Belfast City Hall
Belfast Lord Mayor Nichola Mallon joined First Minister Peter Robinson at Belfast City Hall Cenotaph today to commemorate the 98th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.

UU Expansion Granted
Planning permission has been granted for an extension to the University of Ulster at its Magee campus. Covering a floor space of 3,762m sq, the extension will create teaching facilities and a large tiered lecture theatre, two smaller lecture theatres, up to 20 classrooms and a cafe.

DARD Relocates To Ballykelly
The NI Executive has approved to relocate the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) to Ballykelly in County Londonderry. The department headquarters will now be moved to the Shackleton Barracks site in the north west.

Alexander Mann Announces New Belfast Facility
One of the worlds leading providers of talent acquisition and management services, Alexander Mann Solutions, has announced that it is to establish a new global client service centre in Belfast.

Stormont Reception For NI Jockey
Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín hosted a reception at Stormont yesterday in honour of Northern Ireland jump jockey Anthony 'AP' McCoy. Mr McCoy has won nearly every big race and sealed his 4,000th career win in the Weatherbys Novices' Hurdle at Towcester in November.

David Black Murder - Charges Dropped
Police have said that charges have been dropped against a man arrested over the murder of prison officer David Black, who was shot dead on his way to Maghaberry Prison in November 2012.

Man Dies In Carrickfergus Road Collision
A man has died after his motorcycle was involved in a crash with a car in Carrickfergus, County Antrim. 49-year-old Mark McClements from the Whitehead area was killed in the collision, which occurred on the Larne Road on Monday evening, police have said.

'KKK' Flag Spotted In East Belfast
A blue Ku Klux Klan flag has been spotted hanging in east Belfast, it has been reported. The flag, which appears to be in support of the white supremacist organisation, was erected yesterday off Island Street.

20% Children Living In Poverty
About 20% of children in Northern Ireland were classified as living in poverty in 2012-2013, according to the Northern Ireland Poverty Bulletin published today by the Department for Social Development.

Businesses Urged To Introduce Living Wage
Sinn Féin has called on businesses in Northern Ireland to follow the example set by Nestle and to introduce the living wage for all employees.

Magherafelt Bypass Approved
The Executive has agreed to £40m of funding to support the Magherafelt bypass scheme. The announcement was made by Finance Minister Sammy Wilson in the Assembly today.

Northern Ireland Remembers The Somme
Northern Ireland's politicians have attended a memorial service at the Garden of Remembrance at Belfast City Hall to mark the 97th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. First Minister Peter Robinson and Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Joe Costello were among those who attended.

Care Home Protest At Stormont
Elderly residents of care homes in Northern Ireland have travelled to Stormont to demand an end to the closure of NHS homes. The move follows an announcement in April that 19 homes would close across Northern Ireland. The policy was later dropped by Health Minister Edwin Poots.

Minister Opens BSecure Monitoring Solutions
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has opened McElwaine Security Services Limited new security monitoring facility 'BSecure Monitoring Solutions' in Fivemiletown.

Fujitsu Collaborate With Three Irish Research Groups
Fujitsu, the global ICT giant, has announced a collaboration with three Irish research groups to work on KIDUKU, a sensor based healthcare project to help prevent falls in the elderly and gain a better understanding of chronic lung disease.

Fivemiletown Security Facility Expands
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has opened a new security monitoring facility in Fivemiletown. Invest NI has offered a total of £85,600 over the last 18 months to help establish BSecure Monitoring Solutions and increase employment. The business has grown to over 28 staff.

Drug Warning Follows Eight Deaths
The PSNI has put out a warning to drug-users to avoid a green coloured tablet, thought to have caused eight sudden and unexplained deaths in Northern Ireland.

National Citizen Service To Continue
A new National Citizen Service programme for young people in Northern Ireland will run again this year, according to the Department for Social Development. Following a successful programme in 2012, the scheme is now scheduled for Autumn 2013 and Summer 2014.

David Attenborough Honoured At Queen's
Sir David Attenborough is being honoured today at Queen's University, Belfast. The veteran naturalist and broadcaster is receiving an honorary degree along with Oscar-winning director Terry George and Director of the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland Avila Kilmurray.

Féile an Phobail To Celebrate 25th Anniversary
The lineup for this year's Féile an Phobail has been announced, as the event prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary.

L'Derry Conference To Discuss Culture Legacy
A conference is to take place in L'Derry this week that will consult on how the city can maximise the long-term potential of the UK City of Culture status.

Extra Back To Education Places Announced
The allocation of 3,000 additional Back to Education Initiative (BTEI) places to Vocational Education Committees (VECs) are to be implemented around the country as part of the 16,000 additional places being made available under the Government’s Jobs Initiative.

Construction Firms Given Chance To Breathe With Oxygen
A ground-breaking cashflow finance product aimed at relieving short-term financial pressures being suffered by firms in the construction sector is set to be launched by recovery and restructuring experts Leonard Curtis this month.

Rosslea Orange Hall Destroyed By Fire
A fire in County Fermanagh has destroyed an Orange hall in the early hours of Friday morning. Police and the fire service are investigating the cause of the blaze at Inver Orange Hall in Rosslea, which is a result of a suspected arson attack.

Ritchie Still Pushing for Corporation Tax Slash
SDLP Leader Margaret Ritchie has met with the UK Secretary of State on Thursday to again push the case for a reduction in corporation tax in Northern Ireland.

Watch The Wimbledon Final At City Hall
Those following the wonders of Wimbledon can enjoy the Men`s Final on the Big screen this weekend at Belfast City Hall this weekend.

Translink Slashes Summer Prices
Translink has on Thursday launched its ‘Happy Days’ summer 2011 campaign with cut prices for travel to NI's tourist hotspots.

David Dunseith Dies At 76
Veteran BBC broadcaster and journalist, David Dunseith, has died at the age of 76. With a career in reportage spanning four decades, David was best known as host for BBC Radio Ulster's Talkback programme, which he presented for almost 20 years.

Northern Ireland's 'Magnificent Seven' Going For Worldskills Gold
Seven highly-talented young people from Northern Ireland have fought off stiff competition from across the UK to be selected as members of Team UK for WorldSkills London 2011.

3D Experience Without Glasses For Northern Ireland Sports Fans
Belfast bar Lavery's will screen the heavyweight 'super-fight' between David Haye and Vladimir Klitschko and the Wimbledon men's final on a glasses-free 3D TV over a 3D sports weekend on July 2 - 3 2011.

Judges' Sentencing Guidelines To Go Online
Justice Minister David Ford has welcomed a Judicial Report on Sentencing Guidance published this week by the Lord Chief Justice.

Software Boss Faces Disqualification
A Wicklow-based director in an NI computer software development business that went bust has been disqualified from business for five years.

Somme Battle Anniversary Marked
On the very day the bloody battle began in 1916, the NI Secretary of State Owen Paterson has been representing the British Government at the annual Somme commemoration in France.

Extra Policing Funds To Target Terrorism
Despite nationwide belt-tightening, there's more money on the way for NI's police force to help deal with the growing terrorist threat.

'Curtain Up' For Controversial Curzon
It was 'lights, camera, action' today as the new Curzon apartment complex in Belfast was officially opened.

Ulster Post Graduate's Film Successful
A German-born student of the University of Ulster has been achieving global success with a short film production project. Susanne Stich graduated with a PhD from the University of Ulster at the end of June but has already been winning international accolades with her doctoral work.

Top Chartered Surveyor 'Positive On Future'
Northern Ireland must emerge stronger and more competitive from the period of public spending cuts ahead, the new Chairman of RICS Northern Ireland urges.

Lisburn Council Elects New Mayor
Lisburn City Council has returned a new top civic representative, the DUP's Paul Porter, who served last year as Deputy Mayor. He succeeds his party colleague Allan Ewart as the new Mayor of the city. Meanwhile the SDLP's Brian Heading has taken on the role of Deputy Mayor.

Software Boss Faces Disqualification
A Wicklow-based director in an NI computer software development business that went bust has been disqualified from business for five years.

Holywood Housing 'Razed'
It's knock-down and start again for part of a suburban area east of Belfast with news of the redevelopment of housing in the West Green area of Holywood.

Call To Remove State Aid From Non-Lending Banks
Ireland's small business leaders have called on the Minister for Enterprise to remove state assistance from bailed out banks if the continue to refuse credit for businesses.

Sweet Success As Tate & Lyle Sells Business
Tate & Lyle has sold its European sugar business (EUS) to an American Sugar Refining for £211 million in cash. The company said the proceeds will be used to reduce its net debt.

Local Firms Hear Of 'Olympic' Opportunities
Around 150 Northern Ireland companies have met with the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) to discuss business opportunities emerging from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games at an Invest NI seminar.

No Jail For Paisley Jnr Over Contempt
A high profile Stormont Assembly member was fined £5,000 yesterday for refusing to reveal the name of a confidential source. However, while MLA Ian Paisley Jnr will have to find a considerably higher sum - taking into account costs - he won't be going to prison.

Assets Settlement Praised By NIO
Successful efforts to recover 'ill-gotten-gains' have been in for high-level praise today.

Royal Focus On Agri-Food Sector
Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex - who is in Northern Ireland today - has addressed a conference on the importance of the agri-food industry.

Robinson's No 10 Policing Talks Deferred
Scheduled talks between First Minister Peter Robinson and Prime Minister Gordon Brown (pictured) were deferred today, amid mounting speculation policing and justice powers could be devolved to Stormont within weeks. Instead Mr Robinson will have a telephone conversation with Mr Brown.

Nortel Cuts Yet More Jobs
Telecoms giant Nortel has laid off 150 staff across the UK, all without redundancy pay. Nortel's Toronto-based HQ filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the US in January and also put its UK arm into administration.

Staffing Agencies Face Big Fines
Legislation to allow unlimited fines is to be part of new powers of investigation and prosecution aimed at unscrupulous employment agencies.

Downpatrick Demolition Site Blaze Probed
Fire chiefs are looking into possible foul play following a late night fire at a former college campus in Downpatrick. The former East Down Institute site, which is set to be demolished within weeks, houses several buildings.

NI Firms Hear Of 'Olympic' Opportunities
Around 150 Northern Ireland companies have met with the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) to discuss business opportunities emerging from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games at an Invest NI seminar.

Battle Solemnly Recalled
Belfast City Hall's Cenotaph was today awash with poppy wreaths as the 92nd anniversary of the start of the Battle of the Somme was remembered. The DUP was represented by MLAs Lord Wallace Browne, Gregory Campbell and Robin Newton.

Death Bill Legislates A Seven-Year Wait For 'Missing'
New legislation to help the relatives of Troubles 'disappeared' and other missing persons in Northern Ireland has been introduced.

NI House Prices Still Falling
A fresh housing report has yet again underlined falling house prices in Northern Ireland. The Province has continued to see big declines in property values during the second quarter. Prices fell by 9.0% from the previous quarter in April-June, leaving them 18.

Mandela Honoured By QUB
An 'absent' black African icon - Nelson Mandela - has today been honoured with a special award from Queen's University. He accepted the unique honorary doctorate 'remotely' as the university's Centenary Honorary Graduate.

Assembly Broadcasts Going Hi Tech
Stormont is about to enter the digital age - with both sophisticated 'touch-screen' activation of cameras and microphones and High Definition broadcasts.

Smoke Ban For Under 18s
Cigarettes will soon no longer be sold to anyone under 18. The NI Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has announced that the age of sale of tobacco products will rise from 16 to 18 from 1 September 2008.

Omagh Blaze Report Reveals Failings
The awful blaze tragedy that killed an entire family and shocked the whole country last November was impossible to predict.

Partner Buy-Out As Obel Hotel Goes On Long Finger
There's to be no hotel - at present - in the recently recommenced multimillion pound riverside Obel 'skyscraper' building in Belfast.

July Holiday Postal Arrangements
Royal Mail has announced postal arrangements over the July holiday period. There will not be any deliveries or collections on Saturday, 12 July or Monday, 14 July, but normal deliveries and collections will resume on Tuesday, 15 July.

Man shot dead in east Belfast
Loyalists are thought to have been behind the murder of a man in east Belfast on Friday. The victim, who has not yet been named, was driving a lorry on the lower Newtownards Road when the incident occurred.

Silotank develops Global Storage Solutions from west Belfast
A West Belfast manufacturer of reinforced plastic tanks is to develop its business including assistance to market a long term solution for farmers facing tough new European rules on storing silage and slurry.

Four escape injury in petrol bombing
Four people have escaped injury following a petrol bomb attack on a house in Co Tyrone. An upstairs window was broken and scorch damage was caused to a landing carpet and an outside wall during the attack at the house in Fairmount Park, Dungannon, at around 3am.

Train conductor threatened at knifepoint during robbery
Police are appealing for information after a ticket conductor was robbed at knifepoint on a train in Co Down. The incident, which occurred at around 8am on Friday, saw the conductor forced to hand over his takings shortly after the train left Belfast for Bangor.

Policing Board to further review station closures
The Northern Ireland Policing Board has today adopted a proposal demanding further consultation on police plans to close 17 stations across the province, UUP MLA Fred Cobain has claimed.

Powers of arrest extended to cover domestic violence
A crucial new power of arrest to help police protect victims of domestic violence was announced today by Criminal Justice Minister David Hanson. The changes in law will mean that police no longer need a warrant to arrest someone committing the offence of common assault.

Children stage 'after school' clubs protest
Children from some of the 200 after school clubs facing the axe in Northern Ireland staged a protest at the City Hall in Belfast on Thursday. The children released 200 red balloons, one for each of the clubs which is likely to close in the next few months.

Climate change is a serious business risk for NI
The financial industry in Northern Ireland needs to systematically screen climate change risks, a new report by the Allianz Group and WWF has said.

NI air links strengthened with five new routes
Northern Ireland’s international air links will be significantly strengthened this weekend with the take off of five new air routes into Belfast.

Four escape injury in gun attack
Four people have escaped injury following a gun attack on a house in Co Armagh. Two shots were fired at the house in the Parkmore estate, Craigavon at around 8.45pm on Wednesday. A woman, her husband, a two-year-old boy and his grandfather were in the house at the time.

Ballymena bus firm secure £66.5m order
A Ballymena bus firm has secured an order worth £66.5 million which will create nearly 150 new jobs.

Bangor named Ireland's 'Best Kept Town'
Bangor has been named as Ireland's best kept town following an awards ceremony in Belfast. Commenting on the achievement, Stephen Peover, Permanent Secretary of DOE, congratulated Bangor and North Down Borough Council on the news.

Hepatitis C action plan launched
The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety has published an action plan for consultation on the prevention and control of hepatitis C in Northern Ireland.

Bomb alerts end in Belfast
A series of bomb alerts, which brought Belfast rush hour traffic to a standstill on Thursday morning, have been declared hoaxes.

NIFTC to run Irish Language Broadcasting Fund
Secretary of State, Paul Murphy has announced that the Irish Language Broadcasting Fund is to be administered by the Northern Ireland Film and Television Commission (NIFTC).

NTL secure NI broadband contract
NTL's business division has won a contract to design and implement a high-speed broadband network to connect 23 further and higher educational institutions across Northern Ireland. The £2.

Cash registered with rural retailers
Fifty-six rural retailers from across the province are celebrating after receiving their share of a £440,000 grant allocation under the Northern Ireland Rural Development Council (RDC) Rural Retail Support Programme.

DEL launch telework guidance
The Department for Employment and Learning today published guidance on telework arrangements for employers and employees in Northern Ireland.

Fertility in mice affected by Viagra
New research by scientists at Queen's University has revealed that Viagra affects fertilization and early embryo development in mice.

Finucane investigation 'ineffective' says EU court
The European Court of Human Rights has upheld action taken by the widow of murdered solicitor Pat Finucane over the RUC investigation into his death. The Court found that the investigation into Mr Finucane's killing had been insufficient and flawed.

Shoukri given six years for possessing gun
A leading loyalist has been jailed for six years today after being found guilty of possessing a gun and ammunition in suspicious circumstances.

Minister urged to intervene in Shorts crisis
East Belfast Ulster Unionist representatives Sir Reg Empey and Jim Rodgers have urged Enterprise Minister Ian Pearson to directly intervene in the current Bombardier-Shorts jobs crisis.

Minister unveils twenty-year health strategy
Health Minister Angela Smith has unveiled plans for a new twenty-year Regional Strategy for Health and Wellbeing in Northern Ireland. The Minister announced the plans during a major conference on ‘Future Trends and Challenges in Health and Social Care’ yesterday.

Average 'new house' figures show rise
Latest Northern Ireland housing figures have shown that the average price of new houses sold during the quarter increased by £5,000 on the same period last year.

Man treated in hospital following shooting
A man has been treated in hospital following a paramilitary-style attack in Co Antrim this morning. The 20-year-old victim was walking along the Dough Road, Ballyclare at around 12.10am when he was approached by three masked men.

£14.5m wastewater treatment set for Larne
The Department of Regional Development (DRD) has confirmed that work on a new £14.5 million wastewater treatment works for Larne will get underway this autumn.

Report shows NI drinking water in the clear
Northern Ireland's drinking water has met the required standards of cleanliness according to a new report The statutory 2002 Drinking Water Quality Report indicated that 98.

Seminars to tackle post conflict troubles
A series of seminars are set to take place across Northern Ireland in recognition of the role played by churches and faith communities, clergy, faith workers and pastoral care workers during the 'Troubles'.

NIE hit out at substation attacks
Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) today condemned vandals who broke into a north Belfast substation last Thursday and attempted to set it alight. It was the third time within a week that NIE engineers had been called to the Whiterock Road because of attempted vandalism.

Trimble urges Drumcree parade go-ahead
The leader of the Ulster Unionist Party David Trimble has urged the Parades Commission to allow this year’s controversial march at Drumcree to go ahead.

Farmers Loan Scheme discussions with HSBC
Ulster Unionist Assembly spokesman on Agriculture, George Savage has held lengthy meetings with senior representatives from international bank, HSBC on the proposed farmers' Early Retirement and Loan Scheme.

Sinn Féin leaders meet Taoiseach
A Sinn Féin delegation led by party president Gerry Adams will meet the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern today for a review of the peace process.

HSENI launch European Safety Week
The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) recently launched this year's European Week for Safety and Health which runs from October 14 to October 20.

Cross border initiative tackles child deaths on farms
A north-south initiative to highlight the problem of child deaths on farms, has released new figures which reveal the scale of the problem on both sides of the border.

Minister announces £4m cash boost for health
Finance Minister Sean Farren has announced the Health Service in Northern Ireland is to get a £4 million cash boost. The bulk of the funding allocation, some £3 million will be used for cardiac surgery, with the rest going towards other types of operations.

Mobile users encouraged to save money when abroad
Visitors from the UK using their mobile phone in Europe this summer can save themselves around 40 per cent or more on their bill by following advice published by Oftel.

Ombudsman to probe murder of Catholic RUC officer
The Police Ombudsman’s Office has said in light of fresh information it is to launch an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the murder of a Catholic Royal Ulster Constabulary officer 25 years ago.

Ryanair celebrates third year at Derry Airport
Low fares airline Ryanair will this week celebrate its third anniversary of scheduled services from the City of Derry Airport to London Stansted.

Ambulance fleet to receive £10m for improvements
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service looks set to receive nearly £10 million as part a Department of Health plan to improve its service and upgrade its aging fleet.

NI companies look to the Carolinas
Representatives from 11 Northern Ireland companies recently spent a week in the South Carolina and the Charlotte region in the US as part of a north-east Antrim trade mission.

Maskey lays wreath in tribute to WWI victims
Belfast’s first citizen Alex Maskey has become the first republican lord mayor to lay a wreath in commemoration of those who died in the Battle of the Somme.

Hanna highlights success of Mitchell Scholarships
Employment and Learning Minister, Mrs Carmel Hanna, has praised the Mitchell Scholarship Programme as a "successful and worthwhile" programme for American students in Northern Ireland.

Rosslea police station attacked by republican youths
A police station in County Fermanagh was attacked by a crowd of republican youths on Sunday afternoon. Around 50 masked youths attacked the police station and caused damage to the exterior of the building. Police said that there had been no injuries during the attack.

McClarty to meet B9 over wind farm proposal
East Londonderry assembly member David McClarty is to meet a senior representative of B9 Energy, who are part of an energy consortium investigating the viability of developing a Wind Farm off the North Coast of Northern Ireland.

Rapid Advancement Programme attracts UK attention
Carmel Hanna, Minister for Employment and Learning, has spoken of the possible adoption of Northern Ireland's Rapid Advancement Programme (RAP) model into other regions of the UK. The Minister was speaking at the annual B.I.C.

UK accolade for local engineering company
Larne-based FG Wilson has won a major UK manufacturing award in London. The engineering outfit picked up the ‘Process Innovation’ award in the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) Manufacturing Excellence awards 2002.

Morrow Communications campaign hits home
Holywood-based public relations consultancy, Morrow Communications was highly commended at the recent all-Ireland Awards for Excellence in Public Relations (PRCA), competing in the Healthcare category for its promotion of Action Cancer's 'Action Man' campaign.