02/06/2017

Other News In Brief

Virgin Atlantic Extends Belfast To Orlando Route

Virgin Atlantic has announced that it is to extend its Belfast to Orlando route from 2018.

The weekly service was launched in 2015 but due to its popularity, additional seats are now being added to the route.

From 2018, the Belfast to Orlando service will now run from March to September – more than trebling the number of seats available. In addition, during June and July, there will be two flights per week. A once-weekly service will operate for the rest of the season.

Richard Myerscough, Senior Vice President of Sales & Distribution at Virgin Atlantic, said: "Since launching our first flight from Northern Ireland two years ago our services have gone from strength to strength – so I'm really pleased to announce that 2018 will be our biggest ever season from Belfast International Airport."

Uel Hoey, Business Development Director at Belfast International Airport, added: "We are thrilled to announce this extensive growth in Virgin's Florida programme from Belfast for Summer 2018, the only direct flights offering the iconic Virgin product from the island of Ireland."

NI Water Issues Summer Water Warning

NI Water has issued a warning to the public regarding reservoirs and other bodies of water as the summer draws closer.

In order to help make the summer safe for everyone, NI Water and Quarry Products Association NI have teamed up to warn the community, especially young people, to stay away from reservoirs, quarries and other bodies of water that are not usually open for public access.

Michael Bergin, Health and Safety Manager at NI Water, explained: "Understandably, a reservoir can look like the perfect place to cool down on a warm day, but while it may look safe, it can be very dangerous. You may swim well in a warm indoor pool, but that does not mean that you will be able to swim in extremely cold water.

"The dangers include very cold temperatures; the water can be bitterly cold even in summer months. There can be strong underwater currents, which can trouble even the most confident of swimmers.

"Reservoirs are often very deep, much deeper than you expect. There may be hidden debris or underwater hazards which can cause injury, including weeds and plants, which can entangle you under the water.

"It can be very difficult to get out of the water (steep slimy banks). There are no lifeguards on duty.

"We want everyone to have a fantastic summer, and hopefully we'll have the warm, sunny weather to match the season. But always resist the temptation to cool off in a reservoir or a quarry; a quick dip really could mean a quick death."

Gordon Best, Regional Director of The Quarry Products Association NI, added: "Safety around water in reservoirs and quarry lakes is a matter of huge concern to both our organisations, and we are keen to raise awareness of the dangers as we enter the summer.

"We appeal to everyone to recognise the dangers and take care around cold water. A swim or a dip in a reservoir, quarry or lake may seem like a great idea, particularly on a very warm day, but it could all end in tragedy. Don't take the risk."

Ulster Lose To Barbarians At Kingspan Stadium

Ulster Rugby lost 43-28 to the visiting Barbarians team at the Kingspan Stadium on Thursday evening, 1 June.

The occasion marked the final game for a number of players including Ulster's Roger Wilson and both Thierry Dusautoir and Mike Ross who made appearances for the opposition.

Meanwhile in New Zealand, the British and Irish Lions begin their 2017 tour on Saturday morning with a game against the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians. Ulster players Rory Best and Iain Henderson will start the game but Jared Payne has been ruled out due to a calf injury.

Saturday's game kicks off at 8.35am.

(JP)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

26 November 2024
Ergo Invests £4.5m In New Belfast Office And Creates 40 Jobs
A leading IT solutions provider has invested £4.5 million into a new Belfast office which will create 40 high-quality jobs over three years. Ergo's new office in Clockwise, River House, near Belfast's Cathedral Quarter supports its strategy of driving economic growth, job creation, and tech exports from Northern Ireland.
19 June 2024
NI Water Issues Summer Water Safety Advice
NI Water has urged people to stay safe around reservoirs this summer and make the right decisions about water safety. The water safety advice has been issued to mark Drowning Prevention Week, held annually every June.
03 October 2023
Report Highlights Quality Of NI Drinking Water
Northern Ireland's drinking water remains at a 'high standard', according to the new Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) report for 2022.
23 September 2022
NI Drinking Water Quality 'Remains High'
The quality of drinking water across NI remains highs, according to the latest report from the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI).
12 August 2022
People Urged To Be Aware Of Water Usage Amid Heatwave
NI Water has urged people to be aware of their water usage as NI prepares to experience a 'meteorological heatwave, with temperatures expected to be in excess of 27°C over the weekend.