Menu
19/09/2018
Other News In Brief
NI Water Prosecuted Over Three Pollution Incidents In Co Down
NI Water has been prosecuted following three pollution incidents at treatment works in Killinchy and Annsborough in Co Down.
The company received fines totalling £80,000; £60,000 for two incidents at Killinchy and £20,000 for one incident at Annsborough.
In a statement following the court's verdict, an NI Water spokesperson said: "NI Water accepts full responsibility for the two incidents which led to the fines today. While the extent and size of the network we operate means there is a risk of pollution incidents of this nature occurring, on the rare occasions when it does, it is a matter of the utmost regret to the company. We can, however, give assurances the company is set stringent targets by the Utility Regulator to reduce pollution incidents, and these targets have been consistently met and exceeded since 2008.
"There are a number of learnings and actions that we can and have implemented to ensure these incidents do not reoccur. These include investment in more robust equipment and further training of staff.
"These actions, and the investment required to implement them, are an indicator of how seriously NI Water takes pollution and the lengths we will go to, to prevent a repeat occurrence.
"NI Water views its' responsibility to the environment with the utmost seriousness, having invested £500 million in the network over the last three years, helping make our rivers and beaches the cleanest that they have ever been.
"It should be noted NI Water treats 340 million litres of waste water every day through a network which comprises over 15,000 kilometres of pipes and more than 1,000 wastewater treatment works."
SDLP Welcomes Response To FIT Bowel Screening
SDLP Health Spokesperson Mark H Durkan MLA said the response from Health Permanent Secretary, Richard Pengelly surrounding the implementation of FIT (Faecal Immunochemical Test) bowel screening in Northern Ireland is encouraging.
Mr Durkan commented: "The correspondence from the Permanent Secretary for Health, Richard Pengelly, surrounding a FIT bowel screening programme for Northern Ireland has been encouraging.
"I had written to Mr Pengelly as a matter of urgency last month, expressing my concerns which were also shared by Bowel Cancer UK CEO Deborah Alsina MBE, that the Department of Health had not yet committed to introducing this life-saving test in Northern Ireland.
"I have received assurances from Mr Pengelly that the Department is considering the proposed switch to FIT and is aware of the benefits and increased accuracy of this test compared to the current FOB test. He has assured me that the Public Health Agency are preparing their case for the implementation of FIT here."
People Urged To Show Extra Care On Roads
Sinn Féin MEP Martina Anderson has urged people to show extra care on the roads.
She said: "Today marks European Day Without A Road Death (Project Edward) and I would urge everyone; motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and others to to take extra care and be mindful of other road users.
"Sadly, across Ireland too many families know the pain and suffering of losing a loved on the roads.
"Events like Project Edward are designed to raise awareness of road safety and prevent further tragedies on our roads."
(CD)
NI Water has been prosecuted following three pollution incidents at treatment works in Killinchy and Annsborough in Co Down.
The company received fines totalling £80,000; £60,000 for two incidents at Killinchy and £20,000 for one incident at Annsborough.
In a statement following the court's verdict, an NI Water spokesperson said: "NI Water accepts full responsibility for the two incidents which led to the fines today. While the extent and size of the network we operate means there is a risk of pollution incidents of this nature occurring, on the rare occasions when it does, it is a matter of the utmost regret to the company. We can, however, give assurances the company is set stringent targets by the Utility Regulator to reduce pollution incidents, and these targets have been consistently met and exceeded since 2008.
"There are a number of learnings and actions that we can and have implemented to ensure these incidents do not reoccur. These include investment in more robust equipment and further training of staff.
"These actions, and the investment required to implement them, are an indicator of how seriously NI Water takes pollution and the lengths we will go to, to prevent a repeat occurrence.
"NI Water views its' responsibility to the environment with the utmost seriousness, having invested £500 million in the network over the last three years, helping make our rivers and beaches the cleanest that they have ever been.
"It should be noted NI Water treats 340 million litres of waste water every day through a network which comprises over 15,000 kilometres of pipes and more than 1,000 wastewater treatment works."
SDLP Welcomes Response To FIT Bowel Screening
SDLP Health Spokesperson Mark H Durkan MLA said the response from Health Permanent Secretary, Richard Pengelly surrounding the implementation of FIT (Faecal Immunochemical Test) bowel screening in Northern Ireland is encouraging.
Mr Durkan commented: "The correspondence from the Permanent Secretary for Health, Richard Pengelly, surrounding a FIT bowel screening programme for Northern Ireland has been encouraging.
"I had written to Mr Pengelly as a matter of urgency last month, expressing my concerns which were also shared by Bowel Cancer UK CEO Deborah Alsina MBE, that the Department of Health had not yet committed to introducing this life-saving test in Northern Ireland.
"I have received assurances from Mr Pengelly that the Department is considering the proposed switch to FIT and is aware of the benefits and increased accuracy of this test compared to the current FOB test. He has assured me that the Public Health Agency are preparing their case for the implementation of FIT here."
People Urged To Show Extra Care On Roads
Sinn Féin MEP Martina Anderson has urged people to show extra care on the roads.
She said: "Today marks European Day Without A Road Death (Project Edward) and I would urge everyone; motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and others to to take extra care and be mindful of other road users.
"Sadly, across Ireland too many families know the pain and suffering of losing a loved on the roads.
"Events like Project Edward are designed to raise awareness of road safety and prevent further tragedies on our roads."
(CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 November 2024
SF Calls For Action On NI Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin has called for more to be done to improve mental health services across the north of Ireland. The party's mental health spokesperson, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, made the call after the release of the Registrar General's 2023 Annual Report which has highlighted an increase in deaths by suicide in 2023.
SF Calls For Action On NI Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin has called for more to be done to improve mental health services across the north of Ireland. The party's mental health spokesperson, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, made the call after the release of the Registrar General's 2023 Annual Report which has highlighted an increase in deaths by suicide in 2023.
22 November 2024
Other News In Brief
Appeal Following Arson In Newtownabbey PSNI detectives have issues an appeal for information following a report of arson endangering life at residential premises at the Dermont Way area of Newtownabbey.
Other News In Brief
Appeal Following Arson In Newtownabbey PSNI detectives have issues an appeal for information following a report of arson endangering life at residential premises at the Dermont Way area of Newtownabbey.
19 November 2024
World AMR Awareness Week: Call To Preserve Antibiotics
In light of World AMR Awareness Week (18-24 November), local residents are being reminded of the critical importance of preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing concern, as bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to the antibiotics designed to combat them.
World AMR Awareness Week: Call To Preserve Antibiotics
In light of World AMR Awareness Week (18-24 November), local residents are being reminded of the critical importance of preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing concern, as bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to the antibiotics designed to combat them.
19 November 2024
Department Of Health Encourages Self-Care This Winter
The Department of Health is urging people to take steps to care for their health and well-being, especially during the winter months. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt emphasised the importance of self-care, particularly for older adults and individuals with long-term health conditions.
Department Of Health Encourages Self-Care This Winter
The Department of Health is urging people to take steps to care for their health and well-being, especially during the winter months. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt emphasised the importance of self-care, particularly for older adults and individuals with long-term health conditions.
14 November 2024
Health Minister Seeks Urgent Talks On Pay
The Health Minister has confirmed that he has requested an early meeting with health service trade unions to discuss next steps on pay offers for 2024/25. Due to Northern Ireland's budgetary constraints, the Minister is unable to deliver the desired pay settlements for this year.
Health Minister Seeks Urgent Talks On Pay
The Health Minister has confirmed that he has requested an early meeting with health service trade unions to discuss next steps on pay offers for 2024/25. Due to Northern Ireland's budgetary constraints, the Minister is unable to deliver the desired pay settlements for this year.
-
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.
