25/11/2019

Other News In Brief

University Staff Begin Industrial Action

University staff from Queen's University Belfast and Ulster University have commenced strike action today, Monday 25 November.

Thousands of members of the UK-wide University and College Union (UCU) voted in favour of strikes earlier this month over pay concerns, working conditions and pensions.

The strike is expected to continue to Wednesday 04 December.

Staff from both universities have taken to the picket line, with plans in place to minimise the impact on students.

The ongoing dispute concerns changes to the Universities Superannuation Scheme, pay and workloads for staff.

Belfast Councillors Agree 18-Month Climate Programme

Plans have been agreed for an 18-month programme of work to tackle the climate crisis in Belfast.

Local councillors will look to develop a climate plan which will establish targets for decarbonisation and review how Belfast City Council can protect its assets and transition to a low carbon economy within a generation.

Alderman Brian Kingston, chair of Belfast City Council's Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, said: "It's no secret that Belfast has some ground to make up when it comes to preparing for climate change and having a mitigation plan in place. Council is showing leadership by considering its own role, and the impact our decisions can have on the city's climate resilience.

"Climate change has reached a point where we need to make urgent and concerted efforts to understand and prepare for its impact – both through research and considering good practice from other cities."

The Council is taking forward both an adaptation and mitigation plan in tandem.

The plan will be developed in three phases: research and data collection; setting targets and priorities, and agreeing actions for implementation.

The first phase of the plan is expected to be complete by June 2020.

Closures As Armagh Route Undergoes Resurfacing

Roadworks are set to begin in Armagh this week.

The Department for Infrastructure is leading a £400,000 scheme to improve the Battleford Road, resurfacing five different locations between the Bracknagh Road junction and the River Blackwater Bridge.

Work will begin on Wednesday 27 November and run until Friday 20 December.

A daily weekday road closure will be implemented between 8am and 6pm throughout the project. Traffic is being diverted via the Battleford Road – Ballycrummy Road – Killylea Road – Caledon – Dyan Road – Eglish Road - Battleford Road.

Diversionary routes will be clearly signed and local access for residents and businesses will be maintained at all times during the works.

Road users should expect some delays and are advised to leave additional time when travelling in the area.



(JG/CM)

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