Menu
03/03/2020
Other News In Brief
Sustrans Volunteers Recognised In Belfast
Volunteers who dedicate their time to encouraging others to walk and cycle more have been celebrated at the Sustrans Volunteer Awards in Belfast.
An essential element to the promotion of active travel, local volunteers gained recognition at The Duncairn Centre for Culture and Arts this week.
John Lucas rolled away with the Sustrans 'Volunteer of the Year Award for Northern Ireland' for his support shown towards individuals taking part in group led rides and activities on the greenways.
Mr Lucas said: "The volunteer award day was excellent, it was particularly pleasing for me as I got the volunteer award and it is always satisfying to have your contribution recognised, but it was also a great opportunity to catch up with other Sustrans volunteers and staff."
Sustrans Volunteer Co-ordinator, Rachael Ludlow-Williams offered her congratulations, saying: "John has been extremely warm and welcoming to people returning to cycling and given them additional support which really helps them to get back to cycling regularly.
"John has supported staff in organising led rides which are open to everyone, giving confidence to those taking part, and encouraging more people to cycle.
"John has also helped to maintain the signage on NCN route 9, the Lagan Towpath."
Sustrans also awarded a Certificate of Appreciation to the Active Travel Hub volunteer group. These volunteers are people ready to help out at the great variety of events offered free at CS Lewis Square, East Belfast.
These range from led rides and walks to spin art bike, fayres and bike maintenance, encouraging people to come to the hub, find out about the best cycle routes for daily journeys and be the warm happy face of Sustrans.
Infrastructure Minister Challenged Over Importance Of Cross-Border Bridge
The government has come under pressure to press on with the long-delayed Narrow Water Bridge which would connect Counties Down and Louth.
The structure, which was originally due to open in 2015, was hit with several delays, problems and even scrapped altogether. With plans for the project still alive, Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has been urged to state whether it is a priority for her Department.
Challenging Minister Mallon, Sinn Féin MLA Sinead Ennis said: "Narrow Water bridge is a vital piece of infrastructure for the Mourne, Gullion and Cooley region.
"It would enhance business and investment opportunities, create jobs and strengthen the tourism potential for the entire area.
"The bridge was included in the New Decade, New Approach deal with commitments for delivery made by both the British and Irish governments.
"The minister needs to facilitate discussions with both governments to make sure this vital project is delivered.
"That includes placing Narrow Water Bridge on the agenda at the next meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council.
"I will continue to press the Infrastructure Minister to progress this essential project that has been delayed for far too long."
Community Hub Opens In Crumlin
The County Antrim town of Crumlin has been boosted with the launch of a new community hub.
Over £50,000 was invested to refurbish the upstairs of the Crumlin United FC Club House into an accessible community space.
The facility benefited from a grant of £37,500 through the Basic Services scheme of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded through the European Union and Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs and administered locally by GROW South Antrim. Financial support was also received from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and through fundraising.
Pakenham Community Limited has officially opened the new facility, which is already being used by a wide range of community groups, such as Crumlin Pensioners, Weight Watchers, Crumlin Stitching and Cooking Group.
Tom McPeake, Crumlin Utd FC chairman said: "We are delighted to open the community hub at the club. There has been a lot of work put into the community hub concept and to see it open is a major step forward in terms of our overall vision – to be a community club. I would like to thank GROW and Antrim and Newtownabbey Council for the support provided. Their support has made this project a reality and is already making a difference in terms of community engagement and cohesion."
Bob Adams, Vice Chair of GROW added: "This project is an excellent example of a community identifying a need for improved community space, and working together to make this happen. We are delighted to have supported the project and to see how well the facility is already being used."
(JG/CM)
Volunteers who dedicate their time to encouraging others to walk and cycle more have been celebrated at the Sustrans Volunteer Awards in Belfast.
An essential element to the promotion of active travel, local volunteers gained recognition at The Duncairn Centre for Culture and Arts this week.
John Lucas rolled away with the Sustrans 'Volunteer of the Year Award for Northern Ireland' for his support shown towards individuals taking part in group led rides and activities on the greenways.
Mr Lucas said: "The volunteer award day was excellent, it was particularly pleasing for me as I got the volunteer award and it is always satisfying to have your contribution recognised, but it was also a great opportunity to catch up with other Sustrans volunteers and staff."
Sustrans Volunteer Co-ordinator, Rachael Ludlow-Williams offered her congratulations, saying: "John has been extremely warm and welcoming to people returning to cycling and given them additional support which really helps them to get back to cycling regularly.
"John has supported staff in organising led rides which are open to everyone, giving confidence to those taking part, and encouraging more people to cycle.
"John has also helped to maintain the signage on NCN route 9, the Lagan Towpath."
Sustrans also awarded a Certificate of Appreciation to the Active Travel Hub volunteer group. These volunteers are people ready to help out at the great variety of events offered free at CS Lewis Square, East Belfast.
These range from led rides and walks to spin art bike, fayres and bike maintenance, encouraging people to come to the hub, find out about the best cycle routes for daily journeys and be the warm happy face of Sustrans.
Infrastructure Minister Challenged Over Importance Of Cross-Border Bridge
The government has come under pressure to press on with the long-delayed Narrow Water Bridge which would connect Counties Down and Louth.
The structure, which was originally due to open in 2015, was hit with several delays, problems and even scrapped altogether. With plans for the project still alive, Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has been urged to state whether it is a priority for her Department.
Challenging Minister Mallon, Sinn Féin MLA Sinead Ennis said: "Narrow Water bridge is a vital piece of infrastructure for the Mourne, Gullion and Cooley region.
"It would enhance business and investment opportunities, create jobs and strengthen the tourism potential for the entire area.
"The bridge was included in the New Decade, New Approach deal with commitments for delivery made by both the British and Irish governments.
"The minister needs to facilitate discussions with both governments to make sure this vital project is delivered.
"That includes placing Narrow Water Bridge on the agenda at the next meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council.
"I will continue to press the Infrastructure Minister to progress this essential project that has been delayed for far too long."
Community Hub Opens In Crumlin
The County Antrim town of Crumlin has been boosted with the launch of a new community hub.
Over £50,000 was invested to refurbish the upstairs of the Crumlin United FC Club House into an accessible community space.
The facility benefited from a grant of £37,500 through the Basic Services scheme of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded through the European Union and Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs and administered locally by GROW South Antrim. Financial support was also received from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and through fundraising.
Pakenham Community Limited has officially opened the new facility, which is already being used by a wide range of community groups, such as Crumlin Pensioners, Weight Watchers, Crumlin Stitching and Cooking Group.
Tom McPeake, Crumlin Utd FC chairman said: "We are delighted to open the community hub at the club. There has been a lot of work put into the community hub concept and to see it open is a major step forward in terms of our overall vision – to be a community club. I would like to thank GROW and Antrim and Newtownabbey Council for the support provided. Their support has made this project a reality and is already making a difference in terms of community engagement and cohesion."
Bob Adams, Vice Chair of GROW added: "This project is an excellent example of a community identifying a need for improved community space, and working together to make this happen. We are delighted to have supported the project and to see how well the facility is already being used."
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 May 2008
Welcome For Antrim Project's Job Creation
A new community-based develoment which is creating employment opportunities in Co Antrim has been welcomed by the NI Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie. She helped to launch the new, mixed-use resource and business project in Antrim town.
Welcome For Antrim Project's Job Creation
A new community-based develoment which is creating employment opportunities in Co Antrim has been welcomed by the NI Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie. She helped to launch the new, mixed-use resource and business project in Antrim town.
11 October 2021
£3m Funding Announced For Voluntary And Community Groups
Voluntary and community groups across 11 council areas are to benefit from an additional £3 million funding, Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has announced.
£3m Funding Announced For Voluntary And Community Groups
Voluntary and community groups across 11 council areas are to benefit from an additional £3 million funding, Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has announced.
01 April 2008
Community Support Officers Scrapped
Northern Ireland won't be benefiting from 'Blunkett's Bobbies' as the UK-wide initiative that puts uniformed support officers onto the streets to help regular police is known.
Community Support Officers Scrapped
Northern Ireland won't be benefiting from 'Blunkett's Bobbies' as the UK-wide initiative that puts uniformed support officers onto the streets to help regular police is known.
27 May 2022
Finance Minister To Ensure Energy Payments Are Made In NI
Finance Minister, Conor Murphy, has said that he is committed to working with Treasury to ensure the Energy Bills Support Scheme will provide assistance to citizens here given the absence of an Executive.
Finance Minister To Ensure Energy Payments Are Made In NI
Finance Minister, Conor Murphy, has said that he is committed to working with Treasury to ensure the Energy Bills Support Scheme will provide assistance to citizens here given the absence of an Executive.
20 November 2024
£17m To Support Pensioners Affected By Winter Fuel Payment Changes
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced a £17 million fund to support pensioners who have lost eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment due to recent UK government changes. The one-off £100 payment will be automatically issued to an estimated 250,000 pensioners in around 170,000 households before the end of March 2025.
£17m To Support Pensioners Affected By Winter Fuel Payment Changes
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced a £17 million fund to support pensioners who have lost eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment due to recent UK government changes. The one-off £100 payment will be automatically issued to an estimated 250,000 pensioners in around 170,000 households before the end of March 2025.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and 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.
