29/01/2015

Other News In Brief

Rural Roads Investment For Larne

A total of £200,000 is to be invested in a road improvement scheme for the C73 Ballysnod Road in Larne.

Some 2.4km will be resurfaced between the Browndod Road to the Carrickfergus Road. To enable the project to be carried out, road closures will be in place from 2 February and remain in place until 11 February.

Transport Minister Danny Kennedy said: "This is further significant investment in the Larne Borough by my Department's TransportNI to improve the rural road network."

DUP Will Not Take Part In TV Debate

The DUP will not take part in the main televised debates ahead of this year's general election, it has been reported.

In a statement, the BBC, ITN and Sky said the party would not be invited to the debate.

The broadcasters have suggested three debates; one would involve David Cameron and Ed Miliband, while two would also include Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg, UKIP, the Green Party, the SNP and Plaid Cymru. The DUP had asked to be included, but in response, the broadcasters have said to only include one party from NI would be "unfair and discriminatory".

It is understood both the BBC and UTV will host televised debated in NI for the main parties in the region.

NHS Staff Go On Strike

Hundreds of health workers in Northern Ireland have gone on strike.

The staff, who are members of the GMB and Unite unions, started a 12-hour walkout at 9am on Thursday morning. The industrial action is taking place as part of a dispute over a 1% pay rise which has not been implemented by officials. Ambulance workers are also involved in the strike; theirs started at noon and is also lasting for 12 hours.

Both the unions and the health service have said that despite the industrial action, cover is in place to deal with any emergencies.

Kevin McAdam, Unite, said: "Health workers are striking for fair pay as part of a good and effective service but we're also standing up for the service, for our friends and families that need it and for a service that cares about people not pounds."

(JP/CD)

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