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28/07/2015
Other News In Brief
Alliance Welcomes Launch Of Childcare Strategy Consultation
The Alliance party has welcomed the the launch of a consultation into a draft childcare strategy for Northern Ireland.
The consultation was launched by the First and deputy First Ministers, with the aim of helping children have the best start possible in life and parents being able to return to work.
OFMdFM spokesperson Chris Lyttle MLA said the consultation was an important step towards getting a working childcare strategy.
He said: "This consultation, although overdue, is a welcome move. It is important we have a strong childcare strategy as soon as possible, so we can help families and give our young people the best possible start in life.
"Childcare is an important concern in many homes across Northern Ireland and can often act as a barrier for parents returning to employment. The correct support mechanisms must be in place so no-one is left disadvantaged."
North Belfast Firm Signs Prosperity Agreement With Environment Minister
John Thompson and Sons Ltd, based in north Belfast, have signed a Prosperity Agreement with the Environment Minister, to invest £2.5 million in efficiencies which will reduce its CO2 emissions by more than 10%.
The firm will also work collaboratively with Northern Ireland Environment Agendy (NIEA) regulators on wider environmental priorities.
The agreement seeks to turn environment issues into business growth opportunities rather than being barriers to growth.
Thompsons will also accelerate their research with key partners to reduce the environmental footprint of the agri food industry, through improved animal nutrition and better production efficiencies. It will work with NIEA to develop sector wide training on management of key environmental issues.
Minister Mark H Durkan said: "This groundbreaking voluntary public private partnership will see compliance standards exceeded at lower costs. It will substantially reduce impact on our environment, provide greater transparency and access, stronger financial results for business and economic growth for Northern Ireland.
"Thompsons is an innovative and progressive company and a key environmental influencer in the Agri-Food sector and an outstanding example that 'good for the environment, good for business' can be achieved through cooperation, innovation and strong leadership."
UUP Launches Online Petition To Retain Londonderry
The Ulster Unionist Party's Foyle spokesperson, Julia Kee, has launched an online petition to retain Londonderry as the official title of Northern Ireland's second largest city.
The petition on the change.org website and has attracted over 1,700 signatures in less than 24 hours.
She said: "This latest attempt by Sinn Fein to seek to change the official name of the City of Londonderry is completely divisive and unnecessary and sends a message to the minority unionist community that they are not welcome.
"There are very real problems in our city which need to be urgently addressed but the name is not one of them. We should instead be concentrating on issues such as education, employment, housing and healthcare."
(CD)
The Alliance party has welcomed the the launch of a consultation into a draft childcare strategy for Northern Ireland.
The consultation was launched by the First and deputy First Ministers, with the aim of helping children have the best start possible in life and parents being able to return to work.
OFMdFM spokesperson Chris Lyttle MLA said the consultation was an important step towards getting a working childcare strategy.
He said: "This consultation, although overdue, is a welcome move. It is important we have a strong childcare strategy as soon as possible, so we can help families and give our young people the best possible start in life.
"Childcare is an important concern in many homes across Northern Ireland and can often act as a barrier for parents returning to employment. The correct support mechanisms must be in place so no-one is left disadvantaged."
North Belfast Firm Signs Prosperity Agreement With Environment Minister
John Thompson and Sons Ltd, based in north Belfast, have signed a Prosperity Agreement with the Environment Minister, to invest £2.5 million in efficiencies which will reduce its CO2 emissions by more than 10%.
The firm will also work collaboratively with Northern Ireland Environment Agendy (NIEA) regulators on wider environmental priorities.
The agreement seeks to turn environment issues into business growth opportunities rather than being barriers to growth.
Thompsons will also accelerate their research with key partners to reduce the environmental footprint of the agri food industry, through improved animal nutrition and better production efficiencies. It will work with NIEA to develop sector wide training on management of key environmental issues.
Minister Mark H Durkan said: "This groundbreaking voluntary public private partnership will see compliance standards exceeded at lower costs. It will substantially reduce impact on our environment, provide greater transparency and access, stronger financial results for business and economic growth for Northern Ireland.
"Thompsons is an innovative and progressive company and a key environmental influencer in the Agri-Food sector and an outstanding example that 'good for the environment, good for business' can be achieved through cooperation, innovation and strong leadership."
UUP Launches Online Petition To Retain Londonderry
The Ulster Unionist Party's Foyle spokesperson, Julia Kee, has launched an online petition to retain Londonderry as the official title of Northern Ireland's second largest city.
The petition on the change.org website and has attracted over 1,700 signatures in less than 24 hours.
She said: "This latest attempt by Sinn Fein to seek to change the official name of the City of Londonderry is completely divisive and unnecessary and sends a message to the minority unionist community that they are not welcome.
"There are very real problems in our city which need to be urgently addressed but the name is not one of them. We should instead be concentrating on issues such as education, employment, housing and healthcare."
(CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
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21 May 2015
Environment Agency Must Step Up Enforcement
A review of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has recommended the department increases the penalties for offenders involved in environmental crime. The Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) was invited by the Environment Minister Mark Durkan to look at the operation and work of the agency's Environmental Crime Unit (ECU).
Environment Agency Must Step Up Enforcement
A review of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has recommended the department increases the penalties for offenders involved in environmental crime. The Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) was invited by the Environment Minister Mark Durkan to look at the operation and work of the agency's Environmental Crime Unit (ECU).
18 December 2013
516k Tonnes Of Waste Discovered At Illegal Dump
An estimated 516,000 tonnes of waste has been discovered by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) at an illegal dump in Campsie, County L'Derry. The news was released by Environment Minister Mark H Durkan as he announced the outcome of an independent report into the illegal dump and waste management in Northern Ireland.
516k Tonnes Of Waste Discovered At Illegal Dump
An estimated 516,000 tonnes of waste has been discovered by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) at an illegal dump in Campsie, County L'Derry. The news was released by Environment Minister Mark H Durkan as he announced the outcome of an independent report into the illegal dump and waste management in Northern Ireland.
17 July 2013
New Environment Minister Welcomes 'Diverse' Challenges
The SDLP's Mark Durkan said he welcomes the "diverse" challenges ahead during his time as the new Environment Minister for Northern Ireland. Minister Durkan said: "The Department of the Environment represents a diverse portfolio, covering a spectrum of both environmental and economic issues.
New Environment Minister Welcomes 'Diverse' Challenges
The SDLP's Mark Durkan said he welcomes the "diverse" challenges ahead during his time as the new Environment Minister for Northern Ireland. Minister Durkan said: "The Department of the Environment represents a diverse portfolio, covering a spectrum of both environmental and economic issues.
22 January 2010
Build Environment Scrutinised
A conference highlighting the development of Ireland's 'build environment' has also looked at the provision of appropriate skills training for the construction and related industries. The NI Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, has encouraged those at the conference to produce workers with skills that the economy needs.
Build Environment Scrutinised
A conference highlighting the development of Ireland's 'build environment' has also looked at the provision of appropriate skills training for the construction and related industries. The NI Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, has encouraged those at the conference to produce workers with skills that the economy needs.
10 July 2009
Poots Backs Belfast Incinerator Plan Amid Fresh Overhaul Of Planning System
The Stormont Environment Minister Edwin Poots has launched proposals for the most sweeping reform of Northern Ireland's planning system for over 30 years. He has also said that the twice rejected proposal for a waste incinerator on the north foreshore of Belfast Lough is "still the best option for dealing with the city's waste".
Poots Backs Belfast Incinerator Plan Amid Fresh Overhaul Of Planning System
The Stormont Environment Minister Edwin Poots has launched proposals for the most sweeping reform of Northern Ireland's planning system for over 30 years. He has also said that the twice rejected proposal for a waste incinerator on the north foreshore of Belfast Lough is "still the best option for dealing with the city's waste".
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.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.
