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14/10/2009
Other NI News In Brief
Tesco Plans Loom Large
The Planning Appeals Commission is understood to be close to making a decision on the controversial bid to build a 130,000 sq ft Tesco store at Bridgewater Park near Banbridge. If approved, Tesco's total investment across NI will then pass the half-a-billion-pounds threshold. The scheme's backers – GML Estates, Stoney Properties and British property giant Land Securities – failed to gain planning approval for the store last year but appealed the decision, forcing a public inquiry in June this year. The store is being opposed by many traders in Banbridge and the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association, which said it would force the closure of businesses in the area. The supermarket forms part of the second phase of the £70 million Bridgewater Park scheme, which also includes the Outlet. According to the developers, the entire scheme will create 2,000 jobs. A spokesman for the Planning Appeals Commission said the assessment of the arguments for and against the Tesco Xtra store was at an "advanced stage".
Paisley Jnr Targeted
Ian Paisley Jnr has said police have told him that dissident republicans were planning to murder him. Mr Paisley, who sits on the NI Policing Board, said officers contacted him to inform him of the foiled attack. The DUP assembly member for North Antrim said he was satisfied with the steps the police have now taken to enhance his security.
Civil Service Review Costs £Millions
It has emerged that more than £90m has been spent on a review aimed at overhauling the public sector. The Review of Public Administration was launched in 2002. Among its proposals are reducing the number of councils, from 26 to just 11 so-called 'super-councils'.
Meigh Robbery Condemned
The SDLP Newry and Armagh MLA Dominic Bradley has condemned an armed robbery at a house at Meigh in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Three masked men made their way into the property armed with a handgun, a knife and a hatchet and made off with a sum of money. "This is a despicable crime and one which all right-thinking people would condemn. Unfortunately, thugs such as this believe any member of the community is a viable target for them making a quick buck. I hope the gentleman victim makes a speedy recovery from his ordeal, whether physical or mental, and further hope that anybody with information passes it to the police and help takes criminal gangs off the streets," he said.
Swine Flu 'Costs' Executive
As much as £40m is to be sliced off all departmental budgets across Northern Ireland in order to deal with swine flu, it has been revealed. The Department of Health will be exempt from the across-the-board savings, Finance Minister Sammy Wilson added. The total cost of the pandemic is expected to be at least £64 million but further savings have been found from within the Department of Health. "This is a consequence of an Executive which delivers in terms of levels of spend and sound financial management and in terms of responsive public services for the people of Northern Ireland," he said, noting that the shortfall to be covered for swine flu is £39.4 million.
Whitefort 'Bust'
A west Belfast pub chain went into administration last week, putting the jobs of more than 60 staff at risk. Whitefort Inns, owned and run by brothers Arthur and Tony Rooney, operates a number of well-known hostelries in the city.
Boyzone Star 'Comes Home'
The body of Boyzone singer Stephen Gately is to be flown home to Ireland after a post mortem examination yesterday found that he died from natural causes. A court official in Majorca revealed that the 33-year-old suffered a pulmonary oedema, which is an accumulation of fluid on the lungs.
(BMcC/KMcA)
The Planning Appeals Commission is understood to be close to making a decision on the controversial bid to build a 130,000 sq ft Tesco store at Bridgewater Park near Banbridge. If approved, Tesco's total investment across NI will then pass the half-a-billion-pounds threshold. The scheme's backers – GML Estates, Stoney Properties and British property giant Land Securities – failed to gain planning approval for the store last year but appealed the decision, forcing a public inquiry in June this year. The store is being opposed by many traders in Banbridge and the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association, which said it would force the closure of businesses in the area. The supermarket forms part of the second phase of the £70 million Bridgewater Park scheme, which also includes the Outlet. According to the developers, the entire scheme will create 2,000 jobs. A spokesman for the Planning Appeals Commission said the assessment of the arguments for and against the Tesco Xtra store was at an "advanced stage".
Paisley Jnr Targeted
Ian Paisley Jnr has said police have told him that dissident republicans were planning to murder him. Mr Paisley, who sits on the NI Policing Board, said officers contacted him to inform him of the foiled attack. The DUP assembly member for North Antrim said he was satisfied with the steps the police have now taken to enhance his security.
Civil Service Review Costs £Millions
It has emerged that more than £90m has been spent on a review aimed at overhauling the public sector. The Review of Public Administration was launched in 2002. Among its proposals are reducing the number of councils, from 26 to just 11 so-called 'super-councils'.
Meigh Robbery Condemned
The SDLP Newry and Armagh MLA Dominic Bradley has condemned an armed robbery at a house at Meigh in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Three masked men made their way into the property armed with a handgun, a knife and a hatchet and made off with a sum of money. "This is a despicable crime and one which all right-thinking people would condemn. Unfortunately, thugs such as this believe any member of the community is a viable target for them making a quick buck. I hope the gentleman victim makes a speedy recovery from his ordeal, whether physical or mental, and further hope that anybody with information passes it to the police and help takes criminal gangs off the streets," he said.
Swine Flu 'Costs' Executive
As much as £40m is to be sliced off all departmental budgets across Northern Ireland in order to deal with swine flu, it has been revealed. The Department of Health will be exempt from the across-the-board savings, Finance Minister Sammy Wilson added. The total cost of the pandemic is expected to be at least £64 million but further savings have been found from within the Department of Health. "This is a consequence of an Executive which delivers in terms of levels of spend and sound financial management and in terms of responsive public services for the people of Northern Ireland," he said, noting that the shortfall to be covered for swine flu is £39.4 million.
Whitefort 'Bust'
A west Belfast pub chain went into administration last week, putting the jobs of more than 60 staff at risk. Whitefort Inns, owned and run by brothers Arthur and Tony Rooney, operates a number of well-known hostelries in the city.
Boyzone Star 'Comes Home'
The body of Boyzone singer Stephen Gately is to be flown home to Ireland after a post mortem examination yesterday found that he died from natural causes. A court official in Majorca revealed that the 33-year-old suffered a pulmonary oedema, which is an accumulation of fluid on the lungs.
(BMcC/KMcA)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
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12 May 2003
Enlarged EU will see NI slip in importance
UUP MEP Jim Nicholson has warned that EU enlargement will see Northern Ireland slip down the scale of importance. Mr Nicholson revealed that 162 new members would be joining existing MEPs as observers in the European Parliament this week, taking their places in Committees and political groups with the right to speak but not vote.
Enlarged EU will see NI slip in importance
UUP MEP Jim Nicholson has warned that EU enlargement will see Northern Ireland slip down the scale of importance. Mr Nicholson revealed that 162 new members would be joining existing MEPs as observers in the European Parliament this week, taking their places in Committees and political groups with the right to speak but not vote.
07 November 2002
Crompton report hailed as a 'breakthrough' in policing
The recommendations of the Crompton Report have been broadly hailed as a "breakthrough" in Northern Ireland policing. SDLP leader Mark Durkan said that the external report by HM Inspector of Constabulary Dan Crompton illustrated that the Policing Board was conclusively dealing with the issue of Special Branch.
Crompton report hailed as a 'breakthrough' in policing
The recommendations of the Crompton Report have been broadly hailed as a "breakthrough" in Northern Ireland policing. SDLP leader Mark Durkan said that the external report by HM Inspector of Constabulary Dan Crompton illustrated that the Policing Board was conclusively dealing with the issue of Special Branch.
07 March 2016
Police Uncover Terrorist Hide In Co Antrim
Police have uncovered a terrorist hide at a country park in Co Antrim. The hide contained bomb making components and explosives at Carnfunnock Country Park, near Larne. The haul was discovered after a member of the public reported a suspicious object to police on Saturday afternoon.
Police Uncover Terrorist Hide In Co Antrim
Police have uncovered a terrorist hide at a country park in Co Antrim. The hide contained bomb making components and explosives at Carnfunnock Country Park, near Larne. The haul was discovered after a member of the public reported a suspicious object to police on Saturday afternoon.
20 April 2006
Four held over discovery of bomb making materials
Four men who were arrested for questioning after the discovery of bomb making materials for a 250lb bomb in County Armagh are still being held by police. The raid was carried out yesterday on a suspected bomb making factory in a breakers yard in the Antrim Road area of Lurgan.
Four held over discovery of bomb making materials
Four men who were arrested for questioning after the discovery of bomb making materials for a 250lb bomb in County Armagh are still being held by police. The raid was carried out yesterday on a suspected bomb making factory in a breakers yard in the Antrim Road area of Lurgan.
19 April 2006
Bomb making materials found during police search
Police in County Armagh have seized suspected bomb making materials including a quantity of fertilizer, during a planned search earlier today. The raid was carried out on a suspected bomb making factory in the Antrim Road area of Lurgan.
Bomb making materials found during police search
Police in County Armagh have seized suspected bomb making materials including a quantity of fertilizer, during a planned search earlier today. The raid was carried out on a suspected bomb making factory in the Antrim Road area of Lurgan.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
