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19/02/2019
Other News In Brief
Lord Mayor Opens New Davitt Park Facilities
Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Hargey, has officially opened a range of new community sports and recreation facilities at Davitt Park, St. Mary's Gardens.
The project was funded by £1.15 million from the council's Belfast Investment Fund and Schools Enhancement Fund.
The facilities also received a further £345,000 from The Space and Place Programme, through the National Lottery Community Fund.
Fermanagh & Omagh Council Launches ICAN Festival
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has unveiled details for the 'ican fest'- the first ever festival in the area for people with disabilities.
Funded by the Public Health Agency, the Council has programmed a number of fun and exciting activities aimed at children and adults with disabilities and their families.
It will run from Monday 04 March until Saturday 09, allowing participants to engage in a range of creative and leisure activities including balloon modelling, pottery, jiving, inclusive leisure activities and more.
A Health Fayre will take place on Thursday 07 March at the Fermanagh Lakeland Forum from 11am to 2pm, and a children's Fun Day will be held at the Bawnacre Centre Irvinestown on Saturday 09 March, where youngsters can take part in activities such as a 'Build a Teddy' workshop and a magic show.
Speaking at the launch of the event, Chairman of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Howard Thornton said: "ican fest will provide people with disabilities and their carers with the opportunity to get out, be active and most importantly have fun. With 1 in 5 residents of the district living with a disability, it is important for us to promote ability and inclusion within society. This Festival goes some way towards providing people with disabilities the opportunity to explore different activities which they may carry on into the years ahead.
"We all must recognise the importance of social inclusion and the positive impact that taking part in activities has on both people's physical and mental health. I would encourage everyone to support the initiative and take part in as many activities as possible and above all, to have fun!"
NI Employment Rate Hits Record High
Northern Ireland's employment rate hit a record high at the end of last year, according to the latest government figures.
Statistics from the Department for Economy's Labour Force Survey revealed that the employment rate was 70.3% by the end of December.
Despite the increase, it remains below the UK average of 75.8%.
Levels of economic inactivity, the number working-age people not working and not seeking or available for work, was 26.8% by the end of the 2018 - an annual decrease of 1.6%.
The report also notes that the number of confirmed redundancies across Northern Ireland in 2018, 2,575, was 50% higher when compared with the previous year.
Roger Pollen, head of external affairs at the Federation of Small Businesses, said the figures demonstrate that, despite the current political and economic uncertainty, business owners are continuing to perform.
"However, there is much to be done to improve the business landscape, as Northern Ireland has now gone for two years without ministers making decisions, which risks us being left behind on skills, infrastructure and business support," he explained.
"Today's figures show what the private sector can do for the economy, which underlines the need to ensure it is not carelessly damaged."
(JG/MH)
Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Hargey, has officially opened a range of new community sports and recreation facilities at Davitt Park, St. Mary's Gardens.
The project was funded by £1.15 million from the council's Belfast Investment Fund and Schools Enhancement Fund.
The facilities also received a further £345,000 from The Space and Place Programme, through the National Lottery Community Fund.
Fermanagh & Omagh Council Launches ICAN Festival
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has unveiled details for the 'ican fest'- the first ever festival in the area for people with disabilities.
Funded by the Public Health Agency, the Council has programmed a number of fun and exciting activities aimed at children and adults with disabilities and their families.
It will run from Monday 04 March until Saturday 09, allowing participants to engage in a range of creative and leisure activities including balloon modelling, pottery, jiving, inclusive leisure activities and more.
A Health Fayre will take place on Thursday 07 March at the Fermanagh Lakeland Forum from 11am to 2pm, and a children's Fun Day will be held at the Bawnacre Centre Irvinestown on Saturday 09 March, where youngsters can take part in activities such as a 'Build a Teddy' workshop and a magic show.
Speaking at the launch of the event, Chairman of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Howard Thornton said: "ican fest will provide people with disabilities and their carers with the opportunity to get out, be active and most importantly have fun. With 1 in 5 residents of the district living with a disability, it is important for us to promote ability and inclusion within society. This Festival goes some way towards providing people with disabilities the opportunity to explore different activities which they may carry on into the years ahead.
"We all must recognise the importance of social inclusion and the positive impact that taking part in activities has on both people's physical and mental health. I would encourage everyone to support the initiative and take part in as many activities as possible and above all, to have fun!"
NI Employment Rate Hits Record High
Northern Ireland's employment rate hit a record high at the end of last year, according to the latest government figures.
Statistics from the Department for Economy's Labour Force Survey revealed that the employment rate was 70.3% by the end of December.
Despite the increase, it remains below the UK average of 75.8%.
Levels of economic inactivity, the number working-age people not working and not seeking or available for work, was 26.8% by the end of the 2018 - an annual decrease of 1.6%.
The report also notes that the number of confirmed redundancies across Northern Ireland in 2018, 2,575, was 50% higher when compared with the previous year.
Roger Pollen, head of external affairs at the Federation of Small Businesses, said the figures demonstrate that, despite the current political and economic uncertainty, business owners are continuing to perform.
"However, there is much to be done to improve the business landscape, as Northern Ireland has now gone for two years without ministers making decisions, which risks us being left behind on skills, infrastructure and business support," he explained.
"Today's figures show what the private sector can do for the economy, which underlines the need to ensure it is not carelessly damaged."
(JG/MH)
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25 November 2024
SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
The SDLP has announced the launch of a public consultation of their proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill, describing it as an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North. The consultation opened online today and will close on Sunday 16th February.
SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
The SDLP has announced the launch of a public consultation of their proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill, describing it as an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North. The consultation opened online today and will close on Sunday 16th February.
08 March 2024
Additional £3m Announced For Supporting People Programme
An additional £3 million in funding for the Supporting People programme, which aims to the quality of life for vulnerable people through appropriate housing-related services, has been announced by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons.
Additional £3m Announced For Supporting People Programme
An additional £3 million in funding for the Supporting People programme, which aims to the quality of life for vulnerable people through appropriate housing-related services, has been announced by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons.
06 December 2022
New Fund Launches To Encourage The Innovative Use Of Open Data
The Department of Finance has announced a new £30,000 Innovation and Outreach Fund, to encourage the use of open data. The new fund aims to provide the opportunity for individuals and organisations to come up with new and innovative ways to use government data to help build society's trust in public services and improving citizens' lives.
New Fund Launches To Encourage The Innovative Use Of Open Data
The Department of Finance has announced a new £30,000 Innovation and Outreach Fund, to encourage the use of open data. The new fund aims to provide the opportunity for individuals and organisations to come up with new and innovative ways to use government data to help build society's trust in public services and improving citizens' lives.
28 June 2013
Armagh Fuel Plant Discovered
More than 14 tonnes of toxic waste have been removed from farm buildings after the discovery of a diesel laundering plant in County Armagh. On Thursday, officers from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), assisted by the PSNI, dismantled the plant. HMRC says the operation could have produced almost five million litres of illegal fuel a year.
Armagh Fuel Plant Discovered
More than 14 tonnes of toxic waste have been removed from farm buildings after the discovery of a diesel laundering plant in County Armagh. On Thursday, officers from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), assisted by the PSNI, dismantled the plant. HMRC says the operation could have produced almost five million litres of illegal fuel a year.
10 December 2012
Toxic Waste Found At Armagh Fuel Plant
Over twenty tonnes of toxic waste have been removed from a farm in County Armagh after a diesel laundering plant was discovered. HM Revenue & Customs officers made the discovery on 7 December following a search in collaboration with the PSNI. Officers searched a number of outbuildings at a private address in the Cullyhanna area.
Toxic Waste Found At Armagh Fuel Plant
Over twenty tonnes of toxic waste have been removed from a farm in County Armagh after a diesel laundering plant was discovered. HM Revenue & Customs officers made the discovery on 7 December following a search in collaboration with the PSNI. Officers searched a number of outbuildings at a private address in the Cullyhanna area.
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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.
