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09/09/2011
Other NI News In Brief
Farmer Fined
A Co Antrim farmer was fined £1,500 plus £43 court costs at Antrim Magistrates' Court this week. Samuel McCracken, of Craigmore Road, Randalstown, was fined for making a polluting discharge to a waterway. It happened after a visit on 27 June 2008, by Water Quality Inspectors, acting on behalf of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, who inspected an unnamed tributary of the River Main at Portglenone Road, Randalstown. The tributary was observed to have fungal growth present on the bed of the waterway. The source of the polluting discharge was traced to a farm owned by Mr McCracken. A sample taken at the time of the incident confirmed that the discharge contained poisonous, noxious or polluting matter which was potentially harmful to fish life in the receiving waterway.
Craigavon Art Centre Underway
The main contractor has been appointed for the extension of a £430k art centre extension. Peter O Hare Ltd, as main contractors, will take on the extension of the Moyraverty Arts and Drama Centre in Craigavon, Co. Armagh. The works will be for the re-roofing of the existing two storey building, construction of a new extension, internal refurbishment including installation of a lift, upgrading of services and replacement / upgrading of internal finishes. Work commenced on site late August and the contract period is eight months. The value of the scheme is in the region of £430k Sub-contractors will be appointed in due course. Peter O Hare Ltd have been involved in other projects including the refurbishment of Lurgan Hospital, building of a £650k Youth Centre as well as many other refurbishment and new build projects.
Welfare Payments In Focus
The NI Social Development Minister, Nelson McCausland, has published for consultation, a draft Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) on the proposals for Welfare Reform in Northern Ireland. Urging interested parties to put forward their views on the draft EQIA, he said: "I am fully aware of the vital support our welfare system provides for people across Northern Ireland, but I also recognise that it is a complex and flawed system that needs to be simplified and, most importantly, made sustainable for future generations." Welfare Reform Bill proposals include changes to the current policy for Housing Benefit, income based, Employment and Support Allowance and Job Seeker's Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, the Social Fund and Child Maintenance provisions. A new benefit entitled Universal Credit will also be introduced as part of the Welfare Reform Bill proposals which will replace all existing working age benefits and tax credits. It is envisaged that these measures will simplify the current benefit system, improve work incentives, reduce administration costs and help reduce fraud.
Irish Language
The NI Culture minister Carál Ní Chuilín has outlined her vision for the development of the Irish language. The Minister launched Líofa 2015 – a campaign to encourage more people to speak the language, and break down the barriers around it. Líofa means fluent in Irish and this initiative will encourage 1,000 people from all walks of life across the North to sign up to be fluent in Irish by 2015. "I recognise that some have over many years sought to portray the promotion of Gaelic culture and the Irish language as in some way threatening and as the preserve of one section of our community. This approach needs to be challenged. Attempts by opponents of the language to politicize it are counterproductive and wrong. The rich cultural and linguistic heritage on this island is something that we all share and something that we should all embrace," she said, adding: "I am determined to see this happen. I want us to reach a position where the Irish language is learnt, spoken and enjoyed by people of all backgrounds and traditions."
Man Killed In Larne Car Accident
A 69-year-old man has died in a car accident in County Antrim. The accident happened as the man was driving his car on the Coast Road near Larne on Thursday night at about 9pm. No other vehicle was involved. The man died at the scene from his injuries. Police have appealed for witnesses to come forward.
(BMcC/GK)
A Co Antrim farmer was fined £1,500 plus £43 court costs at Antrim Magistrates' Court this week. Samuel McCracken, of Craigmore Road, Randalstown, was fined for making a polluting discharge to a waterway. It happened after a visit on 27 June 2008, by Water Quality Inspectors, acting on behalf of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, who inspected an unnamed tributary of the River Main at Portglenone Road, Randalstown. The tributary was observed to have fungal growth present on the bed of the waterway. The source of the polluting discharge was traced to a farm owned by Mr McCracken. A sample taken at the time of the incident confirmed that the discharge contained poisonous, noxious or polluting matter which was potentially harmful to fish life in the receiving waterway.
Craigavon Art Centre Underway
The main contractor has been appointed for the extension of a £430k art centre extension. Peter O Hare Ltd, as main contractors, will take on the extension of the Moyraverty Arts and Drama Centre in Craigavon, Co. Armagh. The works will be for the re-roofing of the existing two storey building, construction of a new extension, internal refurbishment including installation of a lift, upgrading of services and replacement / upgrading of internal finishes. Work commenced on site late August and the contract period is eight months. The value of the scheme is in the region of £430k Sub-contractors will be appointed in due course. Peter O Hare Ltd have been involved in other projects including the refurbishment of Lurgan Hospital, building of a £650k Youth Centre as well as many other refurbishment and new build projects.
Welfare Payments In Focus
The NI Social Development Minister, Nelson McCausland, has published for consultation, a draft Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) on the proposals for Welfare Reform in Northern Ireland. Urging interested parties to put forward their views on the draft EQIA, he said: "I am fully aware of the vital support our welfare system provides for people across Northern Ireland, but I also recognise that it is a complex and flawed system that needs to be simplified and, most importantly, made sustainable for future generations." Welfare Reform Bill proposals include changes to the current policy for Housing Benefit, income based, Employment and Support Allowance and Job Seeker's Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, the Social Fund and Child Maintenance provisions. A new benefit entitled Universal Credit will also be introduced as part of the Welfare Reform Bill proposals which will replace all existing working age benefits and tax credits. It is envisaged that these measures will simplify the current benefit system, improve work incentives, reduce administration costs and help reduce fraud.
Irish Language
The NI Culture minister Carál Ní Chuilín has outlined her vision for the development of the Irish language. The Minister launched Líofa 2015 – a campaign to encourage more people to speak the language, and break down the barriers around it. Líofa means fluent in Irish and this initiative will encourage 1,000 people from all walks of life across the North to sign up to be fluent in Irish by 2015. "I recognise that some have over many years sought to portray the promotion of Gaelic culture and the Irish language as in some way threatening and as the preserve of one section of our community. This approach needs to be challenged. Attempts by opponents of the language to politicize it are counterproductive and wrong. The rich cultural and linguistic heritage on this island is something that we all share and something that we should all embrace," she said, adding: "I am determined to see this happen. I want us to reach a position where the Irish language is learnt, spoken and enjoyed by people of all backgrounds and traditions."
Man Killed In Larne Car Accident
A 69-year-old man has died in a car accident in County Antrim. The accident happened as the man was driving his car on the Coast Road near Larne on Thursday night at about 9pm. No other vehicle was involved. The man died at the scene from his injuries. Police have appealed for witnesses to come forward.
(BMcC/GK)
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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.
