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22/11/2021
Other News In Brief
City Masts Updated With New Artwork To Celebrate The People Of Belfast
Eight masts installed along Belfast's Donegall Place, first unveiled in 2010 to celebrate the city's maritime heritage, have been updated with new imagery to highlight that 'the people of Belfast make the city'.
The designs have been inspired by the Hidden Depths narrative - that the people of Belfast walk on (or above) the waters. The silhouettes for each person are filled with the energy of the city, reflecting that in Belfast, the people make the city.
Announcing the new artworks, Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey said: "The work to replace the banners and upgrade the lighting system on Donegall Place will reinvigorate this busy street. The masts symbolise a look back at our fantastic maritime history and the banners look forward to creating a vibrant and welcoming city centre for all. The project has been completed in time to celebrate the festive season and welcome visitors to the city centre."
In addition, the masts have been installed with a modern lighting system which will allow the lighting to be changed to fit specific themes and will be operated by Belfast City Council broadly along the lighting protocols applied at the City Hall.
The introduction of new masts lighting system will coincide with Belfast's festive season which will get off to a magical start with two 'enchanted evenings' on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 November marking the start of a seasonal programme of family fun and activities.
Lord Mayor Councillor Kate Nicholl said: "It's great to see these new colourful masts go up along Donegall Place, just in time for our enchanted evenings this weekend as Belfast lights up for the festive season. The artwork is inspired by one of the themes in our cultural strategy for the city, and celebrates our rich maritime history. They will add a splash of colour to our streets and complement other cultural activity in the run-up to our year of culture in 2024."
Rathlin Group Presented With New Community E-Vehicle
The Rathlin Development and Community Association have been presented with the keys to new community e-vehicle by Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon.
The Minister had previously announced that Rathlin Island was to get Northern Ireland's first community e-transport scheme funded through her Blue/Green Infrastructure Fund. The scheme includes the purchase of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle for community use and 20 e-bikes, which will initially be available to islanders and visitors working on the island.
Presenting the keys to Michael Cecil, Chair of the Rathlin Development and Community Association, Minister Mallon said: "I visited Rathlin earlier this year to announce the e-transport scheme so I am delighted to see the first phase of this exciting development for the people of Rathlin come to fruition with the delivery of this car.
"Rathlin has the ambition to be a carbon neutral island and I want to do all I can to help them achieve this. I am committed to delivering cleaner, greener, sustainable infrastructure. From day one as Minister I have been using an electric vehicle as my Ministerial car and have been working to ensure that my Department and its Arms-Length Bodies in NI Water and Translink are making the same moves towards the use of electric vehicles.
"I also recently announced that I am driving forward decarbonisation in Northern Ireland by establishing a new EV charging task-force, to help us deliver a modern, reliable public electric vehicle charging infrastructure."
Device In Antrim Security Alert 'Elaborate Hoax'
Police have reported that a "suspicious object" discovered in Antrim was an elaborate hoax.
At approximately 8.40am this morning, a security alert began when the suspicious object was reported in the Meadow Lands area.
A number of homes in the area were evacuated while Army bomb disposal experts carried out an examination.
Once declared safe the device was removed for further forensic examination.
Police thanked the community for the cooperation during their operation.
Eight masts installed along Belfast's Donegall Place, first unveiled in 2010 to celebrate the city's maritime heritage, have been updated with new imagery to highlight that 'the people of Belfast make the city'.
The designs have been inspired by the Hidden Depths narrative - that the people of Belfast walk on (or above) the waters. The silhouettes for each person are filled with the energy of the city, reflecting that in Belfast, the people make the city.
Announcing the new artworks, Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey said: "The work to replace the banners and upgrade the lighting system on Donegall Place will reinvigorate this busy street. The masts symbolise a look back at our fantastic maritime history and the banners look forward to creating a vibrant and welcoming city centre for all. The project has been completed in time to celebrate the festive season and welcome visitors to the city centre."
In addition, the masts have been installed with a modern lighting system which will allow the lighting to be changed to fit specific themes and will be operated by Belfast City Council broadly along the lighting protocols applied at the City Hall.
The introduction of new masts lighting system will coincide with Belfast's festive season which will get off to a magical start with two 'enchanted evenings' on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 November marking the start of a seasonal programme of family fun and activities.
Lord Mayor Councillor Kate Nicholl said: "It's great to see these new colourful masts go up along Donegall Place, just in time for our enchanted evenings this weekend as Belfast lights up for the festive season. The artwork is inspired by one of the themes in our cultural strategy for the city, and celebrates our rich maritime history. They will add a splash of colour to our streets and complement other cultural activity in the run-up to our year of culture in 2024."
Rathlin Group Presented With New Community E-Vehicle
The Rathlin Development and Community Association have been presented with the keys to new community e-vehicle by Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon.
The Minister had previously announced that Rathlin Island was to get Northern Ireland's first community e-transport scheme funded through her Blue/Green Infrastructure Fund. The scheme includes the purchase of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle for community use and 20 e-bikes, which will initially be available to islanders and visitors working on the island.
Presenting the keys to Michael Cecil, Chair of the Rathlin Development and Community Association, Minister Mallon said: "I visited Rathlin earlier this year to announce the e-transport scheme so I am delighted to see the first phase of this exciting development for the people of Rathlin come to fruition with the delivery of this car.
"Rathlin has the ambition to be a carbon neutral island and I want to do all I can to help them achieve this. I am committed to delivering cleaner, greener, sustainable infrastructure. From day one as Minister I have been using an electric vehicle as my Ministerial car and have been working to ensure that my Department and its Arms-Length Bodies in NI Water and Translink are making the same moves towards the use of electric vehicles.
"I also recently announced that I am driving forward decarbonisation in Northern Ireland by establishing a new EV charging task-force, to help us deliver a modern, reliable public electric vehicle charging infrastructure."
Device In Antrim Security Alert 'Elaborate Hoax'
Police have reported that a "suspicious object" discovered in Antrim was an elaborate hoax.
At approximately 8.40am this morning, a security alert began when the suspicious object was reported in the Meadow Lands area.
A number of homes in the area were evacuated while Army bomb disposal experts carried out an examination.
Once declared safe the device was removed for further forensic examination.
Police thanked the community for the cooperation during their operation.
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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.
