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16/12/2019
Other News In Brief
Offensive Graffiti Appears In Orangefield Park
Graffiti described as being "homophobic and racist" has appeared at Orangefield Park in east Belfast.
The slurs appeared in the children's play park area, an SDLP Councillor for the area has said.
Lisnasharragh representative Séamas de Faoite strongly condemned the graffiti, saying: "I was appalled when residents contacted me about the homophobic and racist graffiti that appeared in the new playground over the weekend. Belfast is an increasingly diverse and welcoming city and this graffiti goes totally against the wishes of our local community.
"Children should be able to play and enjoy the facilities without being subject to racist and homophobic slurs.
"I have reported the graffiti to the Belfast City Council cleansing team, who I understand have sorted it urgently. I will be contacting the local PSNI to ensure investigations take place and local patrols are stepped up in the area."
Retail Call To Political Parties As Talks Begin
As the talks to restore devolution at Stormont begin, Retail NI has urged the political parties and facilitating governments to show leadership and secure a deal.
Glyn Roberts, Retail NI Chief Executive said: "The political parties need to strike a deal and get back to work - that was the clear message of the voters in last week's election. No more excuses.
"Northern Ireland's political leaders need to lead the way with big bold solutions and to take the difficult decisions. Real leaders do not see problems; they seek solutions.
"A restored Assembly and Executive cannot be business as usual. Devolution needs to be radically rebooted and become less about process and more about real delivery for our economy, health service and our education system.
"With much-needed decisions not being made on reform of business rates and infrastructure investment, not addressing an ever-growing skills gap and modernisation of our town centres, Northern Ireland is not just lagging behind the rest of the UK and Ireland, it is in real danger of being left behind internationally."
New Visitor Centre Opens At Lough Neagh
A new visitor centre has opened at Lough Neagh in an effort to attract more tourists to the area.
Located in the Antrim Loughshore area, The Gateway centre will now be home to Lough Neagh Rescue as well as The Boathouse restaurant, with an outdoor terrace offering views across the Lough.
A 150 sq m ground floor room overlooking the Loughshore will host conferences and exhibitions whilst the public conveniences, showers, changing facilities and activity space will support lough based activities.
The Boathouse Restaurant will open its doors tomorrow, Tuesday 17 December.
The development is also expected to welcome a sculpture erected at the water's edge by summer 2020. Called 'The Protector of The Lough', this silhouette will cut clear against the horizon and Finn McCool will be instantly recognisable from far across the water celebrating the Lough, the land, the folklore and the heritage.
This £2.3 million project is part funded by DAERA and Lough Neagh Landscape Partnership.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman John Smyth commented: "Lough Neagh is recognised as one of our Borough's under-utilised assets and the purpose of this development is to attract more visitors and residents to the Lough. I am delighted to see the progress that has been made."
(JG/MH)
Graffiti described as being "homophobic and racist" has appeared at Orangefield Park in east Belfast.
The slurs appeared in the children's play park area, an SDLP Councillor for the area has said.
Lisnasharragh representative Séamas de Faoite strongly condemned the graffiti, saying: "I was appalled when residents contacted me about the homophobic and racist graffiti that appeared in the new playground over the weekend. Belfast is an increasingly diverse and welcoming city and this graffiti goes totally against the wishes of our local community.
"Children should be able to play and enjoy the facilities without being subject to racist and homophobic slurs.
"I have reported the graffiti to the Belfast City Council cleansing team, who I understand have sorted it urgently. I will be contacting the local PSNI to ensure investigations take place and local patrols are stepped up in the area."
Retail Call To Political Parties As Talks Begin
As the talks to restore devolution at Stormont begin, Retail NI has urged the political parties and facilitating governments to show leadership and secure a deal.
Glyn Roberts, Retail NI Chief Executive said: "The political parties need to strike a deal and get back to work - that was the clear message of the voters in last week's election. No more excuses.
"Northern Ireland's political leaders need to lead the way with big bold solutions and to take the difficult decisions. Real leaders do not see problems; they seek solutions.
"A restored Assembly and Executive cannot be business as usual. Devolution needs to be radically rebooted and become less about process and more about real delivery for our economy, health service and our education system.
"With much-needed decisions not being made on reform of business rates and infrastructure investment, not addressing an ever-growing skills gap and modernisation of our town centres, Northern Ireland is not just lagging behind the rest of the UK and Ireland, it is in real danger of being left behind internationally."
New Visitor Centre Opens At Lough Neagh
A new visitor centre has opened at Lough Neagh in an effort to attract more tourists to the area.
Located in the Antrim Loughshore area, The Gateway centre will now be home to Lough Neagh Rescue as well as The Boathouse restaurant, with an outdoor terrace offering views across the Lough.
A 150 sq m ground floor room overlooking the Loughshore will host conferences and exhibitions whilst the public conveniences, showers, changing facilities and activity space will support lough based activities.
The Boathouse Restaurant will open its doors tomorrow, Tuesday 17 December.
The development is also expected to welcome a sculpture erected at the water's edge by summer 2020. Called 'The Protector of The Lough', this silhouette will cut clear against the horizon and Finn McCool will be instantly recognisable from far across the water celebrating the Lough, the land, the folklore and the heritage.
This £2.3 million project is part funded by DAERA and Lough Neagh Landscape Partnership.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman John Smyth commented: "Lough Neagh is recognised as one of our Borough's under-utilised assets and the purpose of this development is to attract more visitors and residents to the Lough. I am delighted to see the progress that has been made."
(JG/MH)
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Police Recover Suspected Firearm In Strabane Police recovered a suspected firearm yesterday during a search outside Strabane town in County Tyrone. Detectives from the Police Service's Terrorism Investigation Unit, who are investigating the activities of the New IRA, made the discovery.
04 December 2003
Lough Neagh area to receive £3.2m funding support
The Lough Neagh area is to benefit from a funding package of £3.2 million for a major regeneration initiative. The funding was unveiled today at the formal launch of the Lough Neagh Strategic Fund in the Marina Centre, Ballyronan, Magherafelt.
Lough Neagh area to receive £3.2m funding support
The Lough Neagh area is to benefit from a funding package of £3.2 million for a major regeneration initiative. The funding was unveiled today at the formal launch of the Lough Neagh Strategic Fund in the Marina Centre, Ballyronan, Magherafelt.
28 March 2024
Executive Committed To Protecting Lough Neagh
The Executive has committed to "taking the necessary action to protect and better manage" Lough Neagh. First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said that the protection of Lough Neagh and the surrounding environment is a key priority for the Executive.
Executive Committed To Protecting Lough Neagh
The Executive has committed to "taking the necessary action to protect and better manage" Lough Neagh. First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said that the protection of Lough Neagh and the surrounding environment is a key priority for the Executive.
23 August 2006
Zebra Mussels continue to spread
The Department of the Environment (DOE) has confirmed concern that Zebra Mussels have spread to Lough Neagh. Zebra Mussels were first discovered in Northern Ireland in Lough Erne in 1997 and every effort has since been made to prevent their spread to other waterways.
Zebra Mussels continue to spread
The Department of the Environment (DOE) has confirmed concern that Zebra Mussels have spread to Lough Neagh. Zebra Mussels were first discovered in Northern Ireland in Lough Erne in 1997 and every effort has since been made to prevent their spread to other waterways.
02 March 2007
Funders join forces to enhance wildlife habitat
Regular visitors to the RSPB Reserve at Portmore Lough will have noticed that the wet fringe of scrub and bushes around the Lough is disappearing fast. The bird hide that was once shrouded in willow and alder trees, can now be seen sitting proud above the reedbed.
Funders join forces to enhance wildlife habitat
Regular visitors to the RSPB Reserve at Portmore Lough will have noticed that the wet fringe of scrub and bushes around the Lough is disappearing fast. The bird hide that was once shrouded in willow and alder trees, can now be seen sitting proud above the reedbed.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
