03/12/2015

Other News In Brief

Woman Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

A woman has been convicted for claiming benefits she was not entitled to at Enniskillen Magistrates' Court.

Philomena McCaffrey of Belleek claimed Jobseekers Allowance totalling £4,389 while failing to declare an occupational pension. She was given a four month prison sentence suspended for two years and fined £500.

She is also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.

A2 Shore Road Greenisland Dual Carriageway Scheme Opens

The A2 Shore Road Greenisland dual carriageway scheme in Northern Ireland has officially opened.

A total of £50 million in funding was allocated by the Northern Ireland Executive (NIE) and the European Union (EU) to help carry out the project.

The A2 is a vital link between Belfast and Carrickfergus carrying on average around 35,000 vehicles each day. The scheme widened approximately one and a quarter miles of the A2 Shore Road between Jordanstown Road and Station Road, upgrading the section of road to an urban dual carriageway. A new dual carriageway of approximately one mile was built between Station Road and Seapark. Four roundabouts connect the new section of road to the existing road network.

Graham Construction were lead contractors in the project.

High Court Allows Judicial Review To Challenge Ban On Equal Marriage

Sinn Féin MLA Caitríona Ruane has said today's court ruling allowing a judicial review to challenge the ban on equal marriage in the North is a step forward in the campaign for equality.

Ms Ruane said: "Today's decision in the High Court to grant a judicial review against the unfair ban on marriage equality in the North is a step forward for equality.

"I want to pay tribute to the two couples who brought this case and welcome the court's decision.

"Every citizen should enjoy the same rights and entitlements under State law and that includes rights in relation to marriage.

"The State has a responsibility to treat everyone with equality.

"There have been a succession of motions both in councils across Ireland and in the Assembly.

"This is a human rights and equality issue. LGBT couples should have the same rights as any other citizen on this island."

(CD/JP)

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