Suspicous Devices Found In Ballyclare

A number of homes have been evacuated as a result of security alert in Ballyclare.

Suspicious devices were found in the Doagh Rod area, near the Sacred Heart church.

The Doagh Road has been closed between Ollardale Park and Fairview Farm Road.

Funding For New Maritime Museum Welcomed

SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan has welcomed the news that the Heritage Lottery Fund is to award £3m of funding for a new Maritime Museum on the Ebrington site in Derry.

Mr Durkan said: “I warmly welcome the announcement by the Heritage Lottery Fund of £3m funding for the Maritime Museum to be developed on the Ebrington site.

"This will be a key addition to the city’s heritage and tourism portfolio and is so appropriate for the Ebrington site.

"Ever since I was negotiating the transfer of Ebrington from the MoD (as Deputy First Minister) I have believed that it should house an interpretation of Derry's role in the Battle of the Atlantic alongside the rest of our maritime history – including as a major port of emigration and trade.

"I am delighted for all those who worked so hard to bring this project forward because I know from the earliest concept planning meetings just how committed and patient they have been."

UUP Demands Action To Jail Criminals Responsible For Fuel Smuggling

Ulster Unionist MLA Danny Kennedy has demanded action be taken to ensure that those responsible for fuel smuggling and laundering in his Newry & Armagh constituency are jailed.

Speaking after a major diesel laundering plant was discovered near the village of Jonesborough on Wednesday from which customers officers removed 14 tonnes of toxic waste.

Mr Kennedy said: "As an elected representative for Newry & Armagh I am extremely concerned at the extent of fuel laundering in the south Armagh area.

"This is a long-standing issue and there is a lurking suspicion that republican paramilitaries both mainstream and dissident are involved. Many unionists in the area have suspected for some time that a political blind eye has been and is being turned to the problem, especially in light of the fact that for all the investigations and the number of plants that have been shut down, no-one has actually gone to prison in the last decade. 

"This is a very serious matter involving huge sums of money and great environmental damage. It must be addressed head on, illegal operations should be closed down and those responsible should be made amenable to the courts. Punishment must be commensurate, and it is quite clear that the fines currently imposed are an insufficient deterrent."