Additional Funding Announced For Somme Foundation

Funding of £40,000 has been announced for the Somme Association by Finance Minister, Conor Murphy.

The Department of Finance already provides annual funding to the Somme Association to help meet maintenance costs associated with the Ulster Memorial Tower near Thiepval in France. The additional £40,000 will fund an event to commemorate 100 years since the dedication of the Ulster Memorial Tower.

Announcing the funding, Minister Murphy said: "The terrible loss of life at the Somme continues to be felt by many families in Ireland. The Somme Association plays a key role in educating visitors about the Somme and I hope this additional funding will help the Association mark this milestone in an inclusive way."

Welcoming the additional funding, Director of The Somme Association, Carol Walker MBE added: "The Somme Association appreciates the Minister’s additional funding as it will assist the Association to commemorate an important historical anniversary in a fitting manner.

"The Ulster Memorial Tower was built to represent the nine counties of Ulster and to commemorate a military engagement in which most families, throughout the island of Ireland, had a relative serving and which unfortunately was to cost many thousands of lives.

"The Somme Association’s aim is to assist in bringing the people of the island of Ireland to a mutual understanding through the commemoration and interpretation of the experiences of the men and women who lived, served, fought and died in the First World War. The Somme Association thank the Finance Minister for his continued support."

Alliance Call For Greater Recognition Of Belfast's Rich History

Alliance has called on Belfast City Council to "do more to celebrate its rich history" and for greater recognition of Belfast's 'enlightenment' period.

Alliance Councillor Michael Long, and current High Sheriff, was speaking as he pushed for the erection of street signage in various locations across the City Centre to celebrate the period of shared history in the late 18th century.

He said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to improve our tourist offering and encourage increased footfall in our city centre and stems from some research I undertook earlier this year. I'm delighted the proposal has met the first hurdle, with a report now to be prepared with all parties.

"While meeting with several heritage groups I was amazed to discover the history within our city that was almost hidden, when we should be celebrating our shared history.

"That's why I've now requested consistent signage to ensure the many areas of historical interest are well marked out. As one of the guides remarked, the way we deal with the history of our city is a bit like the way the River Farcett relates to High St- it is still there but totally invisible.

"The new signage strategy for the Enlightenment period will cover issues like Belfast's proud anti-slavery history as well as the United Irishmen period, as it is an important part of our shared history and should be something that we are proud of and keen to show visitors to the city.

"Belfast has so much more to offer than a shopping destination and this move will only compliment further the network of the City Hall Exhibition, the new statues we have previously agreed and the heritage trails already in place.

"And of course, it will have the added benefit of bringing more people into the town centre to use our shops, restaurants and other city centre facilities."

SF Call For Action On Health Service Staff And Care Packages

Sinn Féin has called on the Department of Health to bring forward plans to increase the number of available staff and care packages.

North Belfast MLA Carál Ní Chuilín said: "Around 1600 families across the north are waiting for care packages to be put in place.

"This has placed more worry and anxiety on families and increased pressure on the health service.

"The lack of available carers is just another example of the lack of workforce planning that is being felt all across the health and social care services.

"If Trusts are being asked to waive fees for care homes until a package is in place, then this must be looked at as a temporary solution, so that people are getting the care they need.

"I am calling on the Department of Health to bring forward plans for transforming social care, including plans for a living wage for staff and outlining what it truly costs to deliver care."