Menu
19/05/2014
Other News In Brief
Call For Radical Changes Within The Taxi Industry
SDLP local government candidate for the Moor, Emmet Doyle says radical change is needed within the taxi industry in Derry to ensure drivers are subject to equitable treatment.
Mr Doyle said: "For too long there has been a deep-seated discontent within the taxi sector in Derry about the treatment of drivers and the overall employer-employee relationship in the industry locally.
"The issue of equity for all drivers and the flexibility of operators when circumstances mean drivers are under pressure should be at the very heart of the sector. Given the public service that the drivers provide, it is only right that the public are aware of unfairness in some instances around the taxi business in the city, and that we all work collectively to ensure that fairness is guaranteed at all times.
"I have spoken to many drivers who will not come out and speak openly for fear of retribution, but it is clear that more must be done to reflect the needs of drivers and their overall financial security given the massive basic costs their job involves."
Minister Outlines Roles Of New Councils
Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has outlined the roles and responsibilities of the new councils during the next ten months.
The local government elections on 22 May will elect members to the 11 new councils being created under local government reform. They will initially operate in shadow form alongside the current 26 councils until they take over on 1 April 2015.
Explaining the importance of this period, Mr Durkan said: "Operating in shadow form allows the new councils time to make essential preparations. This is a very important part of the programme to ensure that on 1 April 2015 the new councils hit the ground running.
"Preparations during this period include approving business and financial plans, setting rates for 2015/16, appointing senior staff and leading cooperation between merging councils. The councils will also design their new organisational and service delivery structures, and agree the method by which positions of responsibility will be shared."
Fishermen Receive Weather Hardship Payments
Fisheries Minister Michelle O'Neill has announced that The Sea Fishing (Financial Assistance to Fishing Boats) Scheme has now closed with all eligible payments having been made to vessel owners.
The scheme was introduced in March 2014 to help alleviate hardship experienced by fishermen following prolonged, adverse weather conditions.
The Minister said: "In March I received representations from the fishing industry about the operational difficulties being experienced because of a prolonged period of severe weather and agreed a number of measures to help our local fishing fleet. The first of these measures was to provide emergency aid as many fishermen were suffering financial hardship because their pay was based on a share of a vessel's profits."
(CVS/CD)
SDLP local government candidate for the Moor, Emmet Doyle says radical change is needed within the taxi industry in Derry to ensure drivers are subject to equitable treatment.
Mr Doyle said: "For too long there has been a deep-seated discontent within the taxi sector in Derry about the treatment of drivers and the overall employer-employee relationship in the industry locally.
"The issue of equity for all drivers and the flexibility of operators when circumstances mean drivers are under pressure should be at the very heart of the sector. Given the public service that the drivers provide, it is only right that the public are aware of unfairness in some instances around the taxi business in the city, and that we all work collectively to ensure that fairness is guaranteed at all times.
"I have spoken to many drivers who will not come out and speak openly for fear of retribution, but it is clear that more must be done to reflect the needs of drivers and their overall financial security given the massive basic costs their job involves."
Minister Outlines Roles Of New Councils
Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has outlined the roles and responsibilities of the new councils during the next ten months.
The local government elections on 22 May will elect members to the 11 new councils being created under local government reform. They will initially operate in shadow form alongside the current 26 councils until they take over on 1 April 2015.
Explaining the importance of this period, Mr Durkan said: "Operating in shadow form allows the new councils time to make essential preparations. This is a very important part of the programme to ensure that on 1 April 2015 the new councils hit the ground running.
"Preparations during this period include approving business and financial plans, setting rates for 2015/16, appointing senior staff and leading cooperation between merging councils. The councils will also design their new organisational and service delivery structures, and agree the method by which positions of responsibility will be shared."
Fishermen Receive Weather Hardship Payments
Fisheries Minister Michelle O'Neill has announced that The Sea Fishing (Financial Assistance to Fishing Boats) Scheme has now closed with all eligible payments having been made to vessel owners.
The scheme was introduced in March 2014 to help alleviate hardship experienced by fishermen following prolonged, adverse weather conditions.
The Minister said: "In March I received representations from the fishing industry about the operational difficulties being experienced because of a prolonged period of severe weather and agreed a number of measures to help our local fishing fleet. The first of these measures was to provide emergency aid as many fishermen were suffering financial hardship because their pay was based on a share of a vessel's profits."
(CVS/CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 June 2014
Planning Applications 'Speedier And Fairer' - Durkan
New figures show that 92% of 'Large Scale Planning Applications' are being dealt with within six months, beating the set target of 75%. Turnaround times for planning applications are improving, becoming "speedier and fairer", Environment minister Mark H Durkan said.
Planning Applications 'Speedier And Fairer' - Durkan
New figures show that 92% of 'Large Scale Planning Applications' are being dealt with within six months, beating the set target of 75%. Turnaround times for planning applications are improving, becoming "speedier and fairer", Environment minister Mark H Durkan said.
01 November 2013
15% Rise In Littering Fines Being Issued
New figures have shown a 15% rise in the number of fines issued for littering. In the 12 months to April some 3,742 fixed penalty notices were issued by 26 local councils, according to a report by the BBC. However, the figures also show a disparity in the issuing of fines from council to council.
15% Rise In Littering Fines Being Issued
New figures have shown a 15% rise in the number of fines issued for littering. In the 12 months to April some 3,742 fixed penalty notices were issued by 26 local councils, according to a report by the BBC. However, the figures also show a disparity in the issuing of fines from council to council.
03 December 2010
Christmas Card Scenes As Snow Blankets NI
Picturesque winter scenes across NI are today being further enhanced by fresh falls of snow blowing in from an Atlantic weather system. However, it is adding to the continuing Siberian freeze that has seen much of the British Isles grinding to a halt, with disruption in NI expected to continue into the weekend at least.
Christmas Card Scenes As Snow Blankets NI
Picturesque winter scenes across NI are today being further enhanced by fresh falls of snow blowing in from an Atlantic weather system. However, it is adding to the continuing Siberian freeze that has seen much of the British Isles grinding to a halt, with disruption in NI expected to continue into the weekend at least.
11 October 2002
East Antrim Forum delegates urged to keep up 'momentum'
The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Sir Reg Empey has urged three local Councils not to "lose the momentum" gained at the recent East Antrim Forum.
East Antrim Forum delegates urged to keep up 'momentum'
The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Sir Reg Empey has urged three local Councils not to "lose the momentum" gained at the recent East Antrim Forum.
14 November 2024
Alliance Warns Of Post Office Closure Impact On Vulnerable
Alliance Communities spokespeople Sian Mulholland MLA and Kellie Armstrong MLA have warned that the closure of local Crown Post Office branches could disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society.
Alliance Warns Of Post Office Closure Impact On Vulnerable
Alliance Communities spokespeople Sian Mulholland MLA and Kellie Armstrong MLA have warned that the closure of local Crown Post Office branches could disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society.
-
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.
