Menu
18/01/2010
Other NI News In Brief
Cuddly Meerkats Emerge
Belfast Zoo's two new baby meerkats emerged from their cosy home in the ground last week. With the recent cold weather, the babies preferred to stay in the warmth underground and only surfaced after the thaw with these two babies (pictured with a parent) following the three baby ones that came into sight in August. Belfast Zoo Curator, Alyn Cairns, is delighted to welcome two new babies: "Our meerkats are very popular with the visitors and you can see them more often in the morning. The cute behaviour and small size of these babies, like the ones in August, is sure to delight our visitors once more."
Debate On 'Forced' Voting
Ulster Unionist South Antrim MLA Danny Kinahan has tabled an Assembly motion calling on the Government to consider introducing mandatory voting in UK elections, arguing that, "when it comes to politics in Northern Ireland and across the UK, something has got to give". Pointing to the system's success in Australia, the UUP MLA said: "The progression of politics, and therefore society, in Northern Ireland is suffering because we cannot get people on-board – those who have been disaffected with the process remain so. Our right to vote is also our responsibility. Abstaining from participation doesn't effect change, instead it leaves the field open for extremists. This is the politics of the past, but cannot become the politics of the future."
PMS Savers Seek Help
At the request of SDLP Leader and Foyle MP, Mark Durkan, the Chairman of the Treasury Select Committee at Westminster, John McFall, will be visiting Stormont today to take evidence on the plight of the Presbyterian Mutual Society (PMS). More than 9,000 people, including many in the North West, have uniquely had their money frozen when the society went into administration in 2008. Mr Durkan has been arguing strongly both to the Treasury and to the Prime Minister that PMS savers deserve the same level of assistance and protection as savers in other institutions that were hit by the recession's effects.
Pitch Battle
The Irish Football Association (IFA) has launched an investigation into the violent scenes at Saturday's Irish Cup game between Newry City and Larne. Game Referee Raymond Crangle abandoned the match after serious fighting between players and coaching staff and now, IFA President Raymond Kennedy has said both clubs could be kicked out of the competition following the mass brawl.
Fermanagh Policing In Focus
The NI Policing Board will hold a public engagement meeting in Co Fermanagh tomorrow. It is to be held at The Lisgoole Suite, Killyhevlin Hotel, Enniskillen, on Tuesday 19th January, from 7.00 – 9.00pm. At this meeting the public will be given the opportunity to question Policing Board Members and the Chief Constable, Matt Baggott on current and future policing issues. The Board will also outline its approach to community engagement and how it is working in partnership with sections of the community to help build safer communities.
Mountain Rescue
Strong winds and thigh-deep snow failed to halt the rescue of an injured climber in the Mourne mountains on Friday. Members of the Mourne Mountain rescue team together with two members of the North West team, sprang into action at 5am after a 999 call was received, revealing that one man had broken his leg, while trying to repair a damaged tent on the Slieve Meelbeg mountain. The man, who had been camping on top of the mountain with a friend, became trapped between boulders and heavy snow, after strong winds and driving rain had shredded their tent, leaving both men exposed to the freezing conditions in the dark. After locating the stricken man, the rescue team were forced to carry him back onto and over the summit of the 750 metre-high mountain.
(BMcC/GK)
Belfast Zoo's two new baby meerkats emerged from their cosy home in the ground last week. With the recent cold weather, the babies preferred to stay in the warmth underground and only surfaced after the thaw with these two babies (pictured with a parent) following the three baby ones that came into sight in August. Belfast Zoo Curator, Alyn Cairns, is delighted to welcome two new babies: "Our meerkats are very popular with the visitors and you can see them more often in the morning. The cute behaviour and small size of these babies, like the ones in August, is sure to delight our visitors once more."
Debate On 'Forced' Voting
Ulster Unionist South Antrim MLA Danny Kinahan has tabled an Assembly motion calling on the Government to consider introducing mandatory voting in UK elections, arguing that, "when it comes to politics in Northern Ireland and across the UK, something has got to give". Pointing to the system's success in Australia, the UUP MLA said: "The progression of politics, and therefore society, in Northern Ireland is suffering because we cannot get people on-board – those who have been disaffected with the process remain so. Our right to vote is also our responsibility. Abstaining from participation doesn't effect change, instead it leaves the field open for extremists. This is the politics of the past, but cannot become the politics of the future."
PMS Savers Seek Help
At the request of SDLP Leader and Foyle MP, Mark Durkan, the Chairman of the Treasury Select Committee at Westminster, John McFall, will be visiting Stormont today to take evidence on the plight of the Presbyterian Mutual Society (PMS). More than 9,000 people, including many in the North West, have uniquely had their money frozen when the society went into administration in 2008. Mr Durkan has been arguing strongly both to the Treasury and to the Prime Minister that PMS savers deserve the same level of assistance and protection as savers in other institutions that were hit by the recession's effects.
Pitch Battle
The Irish Football Association (IFA) has launched an investigation into the violent scenes at Saturday's Irish Cup game between Newry City and Larne. Game Referee Raymond Crangle abandoned the match after serious fighting between players and coaching staff and now, IFA President Raymond Kennedy has said both clubs could be kicked out of the competition following the mass brawl.
Fermanagh Policing In Focus
The NI Policing Board will hold a public engagement meeting in Co Fermanagh tomorrow. It is to be held at The Lisgoole Suite, Killyhevlin Hotel, Enniskillen, on Tuesday 19th January, from 7.00 – 9.00pm. At this meeting the public will be given the opportunity to question Policing Board Members and the Chief Constable, Matt Baggott on current and future policing issues. The Board will also outline its approach to community engagement and how it is working in partnership with sections of the community to help build safer communities.
Mountain Rescue
Strong winds and thigh-deep snow failed to halt the rescue of an injured climber in the Mourne mountains on Friday. Members of the Mourne Mountain rescue team together with two members of the North West team, sprang into action at 5am after a 999 call was received, revealing that one man had broken his leg, while trying to repair a damaged tent on the Slieve Meelbeg mountain. The man, who had been camping on top of the mountain with a friend, became trapped between boulders and heavy snow, after strong winds and driving rain had shredded their tent, leaving both men exposed to the freezing conditions in the dark. After locating the stricken man, the rescue team were forced to carry him back onto and over the summit of the 750 metre-high mountain.
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 October 2024
Peace Wall To Make Way For Community Building Project
Over 40 meters of the peace wall on Ballygomartin Road in west Belfast will be removed in the second phase of a shared space project. The project, known as the Black Mountain Shared Space (BMSS), aims to create a more inclusive and welcoming community space.
Peace Wall To Make Way For Community Building Project
Over 40 meters of the peace wall on Ballygomartin Road in west Belfast will be removed in the second phase of a shared space project. The project, known as the Black Mountain Shared Space (BMSS), aims to create a more inclusive and welcoming community space.
16 December 2022
West Belfast Interface Wall Removed
Sections of a three-metre-high interface wall in west Belfast have been removed to make way for the construction of a new EU-funded shared community space. The Black Mountain Shared Space Project will see a new purpose-built, cross-community facility open in winter 2023 at an interface area between the Ballygomartin and Springfield communities.
West Belfast Interface Wall Removed
Sections of a three-metre-high interface wall in west Belfast have been removed to make way for the construction of a new EU-funded shared community space. The Black Mountain Shared Space Project will see a new purpose-built, cross-community facility open in winter 2023 at an interface area between the Ballygomartin and Springfield communities.
26 July 2018
Fire Crews Return To Tollymore Wildfire
Firefighters have returned to the scene of a wildfire near Tollymore Forest Park in Newcastle, Co Down. Around 10 acres of woodland have been affected by a wildfire, which was reported to emergency services on Wednesday night.
Fire Crews Return To Tollymore Wildfire
Firefighters have returned to the scene of a wildfire near Tollymore Forest Park in Newcastle, Co Down. Around 10 acres of woodland have been affected by a wildfire, which was reported to emergency services on Wednesday night.
20 July 2018
Fire Crews Tackle Gorse Fire Near Newcastle
A gorse fire which has spread over five hectares has broken out near Newcastle, Co Down. The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) said the blaze on the Drinnahilly Mountain close to Tollymore Forest park, started on Wednesday, 18 July. Eight fire appliances and 46 firefighters are working to bring the fire under control.
Fire Crews Tackle Gorse Fire Near Newcastle
A gorse fire which has spread over five hectares has broken out near Newcastle, Co Down. The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) said the blaze on the Drinnahilly Mountain close to Tollymore Forest park, started on Wednesday, 18 July. Eight fire appliances and 46 firefighters are working to bring the fire under control.
18 July 2018
Large Gorse Fire Ongoing In Newcastle
Firefighters are tackling an ongoing large gorse fire in Newcastle. According to reports, eight fire engines and almost 50 firefighters are at the scene in the Drinahilly Mountain area near Tollymore Forest Park. It is understood that some 10 acres of gorse are affected by the fire. Specialist wildfire officers are also at the scene.
Large Gorse Fire Ongoing In Newcastle
Firefighters are tackling an ongoing large gorse fire in Newcastle. According to reports, eight fire engines and almost 50 firefighters are at the scene in the Drinahilly Mountain area near Tollymore Forest Park. It is understood that some 10 acres of gorse are affected by the fire. Specialist wildfire officers are also at the scene.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
