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03/03/2010
Other NI News In Brief
Dump Gone To Blazes
A fire that has engulfed a recycling plant in Co Londonderry continues today, almost 24-hours after it broke out. Dozens of firemen are still fighting the flames at the City Industrial Waste facility in Campsie, which broke out on Tuesday morning. Crews were unable to access the fire area as their path was blocked by up to 1,000 bales of waste. The fire service said last night that it could take up to 12 hours to move the bales, where hundreds of tonnes of recycable domestic waste continues to burn.
Baby Boom
More than 300 new mums are expected to use a midwife-led maternity unit that will open at the Downe Hospital in Downpatrick later this month. Women with normal pregnancies and no medical risk factors will be able to deliver their babies in the new unit which will be open 24 hours a day from Monday to Friday with plans to extend to the weekend in the near future.
Islanders Targeted
Conor Murphy, Minister for Regional Development has announced that the Stormont Executive has introduced a policy for Rathlin Island. "Since coming into office, I have been committed to improving island life for the people of Rathlin and have championed the development of an Executive Policy for our only inhabited island. I believe it is vital that we strive to make Rathlin a vibrant, healthy, sustainable community that looks to its future in a positive way. I was particularly struck by the suggestion that a Rathlin brand is established i.e. a green island with a neutral carbon footprint that would expand the use of renewable energy and recyclables, maximise the use of local produce, extend the attractions beyond the puffin season and establish an island of festivals. We will develop an Action Plan to implement the policy over the next two years working closely with other departments and bodies and the islanders," he said.
What's The Beef?
This year's Beef Expo, organised by the National Beef Association (NBA) at Dungannon Farmers' Mart, has enjoyed a fillip. Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew who toured the exhibition said: "This is a credit to the National Beef Association for bringing together representatives from so many parts of the beef industry to participate in one focused event. The seminar programme provided those attending with access to a wealth of information. This ranged from business to marketing to technical issues, which could assist with the continual improvement of their businesses." During her visit the Minister was accompanied by Oisin Murnion, NBA NI Council Chairman when she met exhibitors on a number of the trade and breed society stands.
Rates Deferred
Those on the pension in Northern Ireland are to be able to defer rate bills until they die or sell their properties. New legislation, outlined by Stormont Finance Minister Sammy Wilson, said that those who are struggling to meet mounting bills in retirement will benefit most. A reduced rate of interest will be charged. Assembly members backed the law, which comes into effect in April.
(BMcC/GK)
A fire that has engulfed a recycling plant in Co Londonderry continues today, almost 24-hours after it broke out. Dozens of firemen are still fighting the flames at the City Industrial Waste facility in Campsie, which broke out on Tuesday morning. Crews were unable to access the fire area as their path was blocked by up to 1,000 bales of waste. The fire service said last night that it could take up to 12 hours to move the bales, where hundreds of tonnes of recycable domestic waste continues to burn.
Baby Boom
More than 300 new mums are expected to use a midwife-led maternity unit that will open at the Downe Hospital in Downpatrick later this month. Women with normal pregnancies and no medical risk factors will be able to deliver their babies in the new unit which will be open 24 hours a day from Monday to Friday with plans to extend to the weekend in the near future.
Islanders Targeted
Conor Murphy, Minister for Regional Development has announced that the Stormont Executive has introduced a policy for Rathlin Island. "Since coming into office, I have been committed to improving island life for the people of Rathlin and have championed the development of an Executive Policy for our only inhabited island. I believe it is vital that we strive to make Rathlin a vibrant, healthy, sustainable community that looks to its future in a positive way. I was particularly struck by the suggestion that a Rathlin brand is established i.e. a green island with a neutral carbon footprint that would expand the use of renewable energy and recyclables, maximise the use of local produce, extend the attractions beyond the puffin season and establish an island of festivals. We will develop an Action Plan to implement the policy over the next two years working closely with other departments and bodies and the islanders," he said.
What's The Beef?
This year's Beef Expo, organised by the National Beef Association (NBA) at Dungannon Farmers' Mart, has enjoyed a fillip. Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew who toured the exhibition said: "This is a credit to the National Beef Association for bringing together representatives from so many parts of the beef industry to participate in one focused event. The seminar programme provided those attending with access to a wealth of information. This ranged from business to marketing to technical issues, which could assist with the continual improvement of their businesses." During her visit the Minister was accompanied by Oisin Murnion, NBA NI Council Chairman when she met exhibitors on a number of the trade and breed society stands.
Rates Deferred
Those on the pension in Northern Ireland are to be able to defer rate bills until they die or sell their properties. New legislation, outlined by Stormont Finance Minister Sammy Wilson, said that those who are struggling to meet mounting bills in retirement will benefit most. A reduced rate of interest will be charged. Assembly members backed the law, which comes into effect in April.
(BMcC/GK)
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20 November 2024
DAERA Minister Confirms Commitment to Deposit Return Scheme
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has reaffirmed his commitment to introducing a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in Northern Ireland. The DRS is designed to encourage recycling by offering a monetary incentive for returning single-use drinks containers. The scheme will cover PET plastic, steel, and aluminium containers ranging from 150ml to 3 litres.
DAERA Minister Confirms Commitment to Deposit Return Scheme
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has reaffirmed his commitment to introducing a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in Northern Ireland. The DRS is designed to encourage recycling by offering a monetary incentive for returning single-use drinks containers. The scheme will cover PET plastic, steel, and aluminium containers ranging from 150ml to 3 litres.
27 June 2008
Rathlin's Big 'Switch' Pulled
Rathlin islanders are at last able to enjoy a dependable supply of electricity. Yesterday, NI Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy officially switched on a new 10.4km subsea electricity cable which extends from Ballycastle to Rathlin Island.
Rathlin's Big 'Switch' Pulled
Rathlin islanders are at last able to enjoy a dependable supply of electricity. Yesterday, NI Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy officially switched on a new 10.4km subsea electricity cable which extends from Ballycastle to Rathlin Island.
21 September 2022
Health Minister Praises Community Staff On Rathlin Island
Health Minister Robin Swann has praised the work of health and social care staff, firefighters and community representatives who support residents of Rathlin Island. The Minister visited the island where he met members of the Rathlin Development & Community Association (RDCA) as well as the local nursing team and volunteer firefighters.
Health Minister Praises Community Staff On Rathlin Island
Health Minister Robin Swann has praised the work of health and social care staff, firefighters and community representatives who support residents of Rathlin Island. The Minister visited the island where he met members of the Rathlin Development & Community Association (RDCA) as well as the local nursing team and volunteer firefighters.
09 September 2009
Rathlin Express Launched
Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy has officially launched the new high-speed Rathlin Island ferry - the Rathlin Express - today. The ferry is a 17-metre, twin engine, double-deck catamaran with a passenger capacity of almost 100. It can complete the crossing in 20 minutes.
Rathlin Express Launched
Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy has officially launched the new high-speed Rathlin Island ferry - the Rathlin Express - today. The ferry is a 17-metre, twin engine, double-deck catamaran with a passenger capacity of almost 100. It can complete the crossing in 20 minutes.
10 May 2006
Balmoral Show gets underway in Belfast
Northern Ireland's most prestigious agricultural show has got underway today at the King's Hall in Belfast. Over 70,000 visitors are expected to attend the 138th Balmoral Show, which plays host to one of the most highly acclaimed livestock competitions in Ireland, trade exhibitions and international show-jumping.
Balmoral Show gets underway in Belfast
Northern Ireland's most prestigious agricultural show has got underway today at the King's Hall in Belfast. Over 70,000 visitors are expected to attend the 138th Balmoral Show, which plays host to one of the most highly acclaimed livestock competitions in Ireland, trade exhibitions and international show-jumping.
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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.
