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04/07/2022
Other News In Brief
Call For Action To Be Taken Over Mountains Of Waste In South Belfast
Belfast SDLP Councillor Gary McKeown says action needs to be taken as residents face renewed misery over "mountains of waste" in the south of the city.
Cllr McKeown said: "Residents in areas suc as Stranmillis village, the Holylands and lower Lisburn Road are at their wits' end at the appalling fly-tipping that is taking place. I am absolutely livid at people having to face mountains of waste outside their own homes. Some of the examples I have dealt with have been frankly unbelievable until you see them. This is no way to have to live, so we need firm action to tackle it.
"Every year we see the fly-tipping plague reach fever-pitch in July and August with house clearances, but just because it happens regularly doesn't make it right and doesn't make it acceptable. It is causing misery to residents and is a health hazard.
"The disregard for neighbours by some tenants and landlords, and the expectation that council staff will clean up after them is completely out of order. I want to commend council staff who do a fantastic job at clearing this waste, but they shouldn't have to do it.
"We are rightly putting a focus on the challenges faced by our city centre in terms of cleansing and safety, but it is important that we also take proactive steps to deal with similar waste and cleansing issues in pockets of our suburbs.
"I have written to the council Chief Executive and the departmental Director seeking a meeting to examine how we can beef up the response to these issues, including looking at targeted investigation, enforcement and prosecution to deal with those responsible and send out a clear message that it has to stop."
Beattie Congratulates Swann On Politician Of The Year Award
Ulster Unionist Party Leader Doug Beattie MC MLA has congratulated his party colleague Robin Swann on receiving the Politician of the Year award from the 'Civility in Politics organisation'.
He said: "The Civility in Politics Awards are designed to encourage, reward and celebrate thoughtful, reflective public debate that reaches across the aisle and seeks to improve our civil discourse. This evening Robin has received an award as has the Labour MP Chris Bryant.
"It is absolutely no surprise to me that Robin Swann has been recognised on a national stage for his dedication and commitment to public service in Northern Ireland.
"Robin has led the Health Service through the most trying of times and I would like once again to pay tribute to Robin and all the Health Service staff who have been an example to us all as they went above and beyond to keep the public safe."
Call For Varadkar To Reflect On Ideology Of Powersharing
DUP East Antrim MLA Gordon Lyons has said the Republic of Ireland's Tánaiste Leo Varadkar should reflect on the ideology of powersharing and if he has no interest in the views of unionists then he should just be honest and call for majority rule.
Mr Lyons said: "Leo Varadkar has consistently behaved like the proverbial bull in a china shop when it comes to powersharing. His latest BBC interview was essentially a call for majority rule. If that’s his considered position then, as the incoming Taoiseach, he should be honest about his ultimate departure from the Belfast and St Andrews Agreements.
"Rather than trying to build a consensus and work for an outcome that unionists can support, Leo Varadkar ignores the fact that no unionist MLAs support the Protocol. Progress has only ever been in Northern Ireland with the support of unionists and nationalists.
"Leo Varadkar has consistently played fast and loose with the principles of powersharing as expressed in the Belfast and St Andrews Agreements. Indeed, he has never apologised or even admitted his gross error in distributing an Irish Times news article about a bombed checkpoint.
"By distributing such a news story he was arguing that unless fellow EU members backed his political approach, then further such incidents would take place. It was an outrageous act to leverage support and gave zero consideration for victims of terrorism. The threat of violence should never have a seat at the negotiating table.
"Before Leo Varadkar spouts more views on Northern Ireland, he should recognise his leadership errors in the past and be honest about what his commitment to powersharing in the future."
Belfast SDLP Councillor Gary McKeown says action needs to be taken as residents face renewed misery over "mountains of waste" in the south of the city.
Cllr McKeown said: "Residents in areas suc as Stranmillis village, the Holylands and lower Lisburn Road are at their wits' end at the appalling fly-tipping that is taking place. I am absolutely livid at people having to face mountains of waste outside their own homes. Some of the examples I have dealt with have been frankly unbelievable until you see them. This is no way to have to live, so we need firm action to tackle it.
"Every year we see the fly-tipping plague reach fever-pitch in July and August with house clearances, but just because it happens regularly doesn't make it right and doesn't make it acceptable. It is causing misery to residents and is a health hazard.
"The disregard for neighbours by some tenants and landlords, and the expectation that council staff will clean up after them is completely out of order. I want to commend council staff who do a fantastic job at clearing this waste, but they shouldn't have to do it.
"We are rightly putting a focus on the challenges faced by our city centre in terms of cleansing and safety, but it is important that we also take proactive steps to deal with similar waste and cleansing issues in pockets of our suburbs.
"I have written to the council Chief Executive and the departmental Director seeking a meeting to examine how we can beef up the response to these issues, including looking at targeted investigation, enforcement and prosecution to deal with those responsible and send out a clear message that it has to stop."
Beattie Congratulates Swann On Politician Of The Year Award
Ulster Unionist Party Leader Doug Beattie MC MLA has congratulated his party colleague Robin Swann on receiving the Politician of the Year award from the 'Civility in Politics organisation'.
He said: "The Civility in Politics Awards are designed to encourage, reward and celebrate thoughtful, reflective public debate that reaches across the aisle and seeks to improve our civil discourse. This evening Robin has received an award as has the Labour MP Chris Bryant.
"It is absolutely no surprise to me that Robin Swann has been recognised on a national stage for his dedication and commitment to public service in Northern Ireland.
"Robin has led the Health Service through the most trying of times and I would like once again to pay tribute to Robin and all the Health Service staff who have been an example to us all as they went above and beyond to keep the public safe."
Call For Varadkar To Reflect On Ideology Of Powersharing
DUP East Antrim MLA Gordon Lyons has said the Republic of Ireland's Tánaiste Leo Varadkar should reflect on the ideology of powersharing and if he has no interest in the views of unionists then he should just be honest and call for majority rule.
Mr Lyons said: "Leo Varadkar has consistently behaved like the proverbial bull in a china shop when it comes to powersharing. His latest BBC interview was essentially a call for majority rule. If that’s his considered position then, as the incoming Taoiseach, he should be honest about his ultimate departure from the Belfast and St Andrews Agreements.
"Rather than trying to build a consensus and work for an outcome that unionists can support, Leo Varadkar ignores the fact that no unionist MLAs support the Protocol. Progress has only ever been in Northern Ireland with the support of unionists and nationalists.
"Leo Varadkar has consistently played fast and loose with the principles of powersharing as expressed in the Belfast and St Andrews Agreements. Indeed, he has never apologised or even admitted his gross error in distributing an Irish Times news article about a bombed checkpoint.
"By distributing such a news story he was arguing that unless fellow EU members backed his political approach, then further such incidents would take place. It was an outrageous act to leverage support and gave zero consideration for victims of terrorism. The threat of violence should never have a seat at the negotiating table.
"Before Leo Varadkar spouts more views on Northern Ireland, he should recognise his leadership errors in the past and be honest about what his commitment to powersharing in the future."
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Waste Recycling Rise Welcomed
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01 August 2017
Taoiseach To Attend Belfast Pride Festival
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has confirmed he will be attending the Belfast Pride Festival this weekend. He said that he will attend a Pride Breakfast in Belfast on Saturday, 05 August. Director of the Rainbow Project John O'Doherty said: "We are delighted that An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar will be attending Belfast Pride this year.
Taoiseach To Attend Belfast Pride Festival
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has confirmed he will be attending the Belfast Pride Festival this weekend. He said that he will attend a Pride Breakfast in Belfast on Saturday, 05 August. Director of the Rainbow Project John O'Doherty said: "We are delighted that An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar will be attending Belfast Pride this year.
30 June 2017
Call For PM And Taoiseach To Be Involved In Stormont Talks
Sinn Féin is urging the Prime Minister Theresa May and the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to become involved in the Stormont talks. Discussions to restore power sharing in NI are continuing today, 30 June, after parties failed to meet the deadline.
Call For PM And Taoiseach To Be Involved In Stormont Talks
Sinn Féin is urging the Prime Minister Theresa May and the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to become involved in the Stormont talks. Discussions to restore power sharing in NI are continuing today, 30 June, after parties failed to meet the deadline.
24 July 2014
NI Landfill Waste At All-Time Low
The amount of waste going to landfill in Northern Ireland is at an all-time low, according to figures released by the Department of the Environment.
NI Landfill Waste At All-Time Low
The amount of waste going to landfill in Northern Ireland is at an all-time low, according to figures released by the Department of the Environment.
12 August 2002
Newry waste management company set for growth
A Newry-based waste management company is poised for expansion following its acquisition by an international leader in the industry. SCL Waste Services have been acquired by the multi-national environmental services operator Vivendi Environment.
Newry waste management company set for growth
A Newry-based waste management company is poised for expansion following its acquisition by an international leader in the industry. SCL Waste Services have been acquired by the multi-national environmental services operator Vivendi Environment.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
