Menu
17/08/2022
Other News In Brief
Homelessness Exacerbated By Lack Of Executive – Alliance
Homelessness is being exacerbated across NI due to a lack of an Executive, Alliance Communities spokesperson Kellie Armstrong MLA has said.
The Strangford MLA was speaking after receiving a response from Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey, which outlined the reasons for the 45 per cent increase in homelessness seen last year. The response states the significant increase was due to the loss of rented accommodation, a key cause of which was property sales.
Ms Armstrong said: "This answer outlines the serious increase seen in homelessness in Northern Ireland over the past year was due to private landlords leaving the housing sector.
"Restrictions during the pandemic meant private renters were protected from eviction and house sales stopped. But since then, a number of private landlords have subsequently removed their property from the rental market. With fewer properties available, homelessness increases.
"That competition leads to a growing gap between the amount of rent being charged and the local housing allocation, used to determine the amount of housing benefit that can be paid. This means more renters are having to top up their housing benefit from other benefits. That is the last thing we need during a cost of living crisis.
"In addition, we have no Executive to put in place legislation to deal with this worsening matter, which is exacerbating the homelessness issue. We need it restored alongside the Assembly, to address this issue before we reach the winter and it becomes even more deadly."
Six Men Arrested In Investigation Into Republican Paramilitary Group
Six men, aged between 28 and 54, have been arrested in an investigation into republican paramilitary group, the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA).
According to reports, the arrests were made during an operation in the Glen Road area of west Belfast on Tuesday night.
The men, aged 28, 36, 39, 42, 47 and 54, remain in custody.
It is understood that a number of 'flash-bangs' were deployed during the operation and their use has been reported to the Police Ombudsman as procedure requires.
A5 Works Needed To Save Lives – SDLP
The SDLP has warned that more lives will be lost on the A5 road without progress on the upgrading scheme.
Mr McCrossan was speaking after a number of deaths on the road in recent weeks; he said every option should be exhausted to bring the project forward and save lives.
West Tyrone MLA Mr McCrossan said: "I am incredibly frustrated that well over a decade on from the beginning of plans to upgrade the A5 road we are still waiting. The reality is the delays to carrying out this vital work have cost people their lives, have left families heartbroken and communities ripped apart. Just in recent weeks we have seen a number of deaths on this road and we cannot allow the current situation to continue.
"The frequency of deaths on this road is startling, since 2006 we have seen upwards of 40 people lose their lives while travelling on the A5. This is the most dangerous road anywhere on these islands and it’s utterly disgraceful that this work has been repeatedly held up by legal challenges and red tape with drastic consequences for those who travel along it.
"We have heard speculation that work on this upgrade could finally begin next year, but we can’t afford to wait. I would urge Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd to exhaust every option open to him to bring this project forward and begin work as soon as possible. I understand the challenges we are facing right across our society, but people’s lives are at stake and we need to act now or more people will die on this road."
Homelessness is being exacerbated across NI due to a lack of an Executive, Alliance Communities spokesperson Kellie Armstrong MLA has said.
The Strangford MLA was speaking after receiving a response from Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey, which outlined the reasons for the 45 per cent increase in homelessness seen last year. The response states the significant increase was due to the loss of rented accommodation, a key cause of which was property sales.
Ms Armstrong said: "This answer outlines the serious increase seen in homelessness in Northern Ireland over the past year was due to private landlords leaving the housing sector.
"Restrictions during the pandemic meant private renters were protected from eviction and house sales stopped. But since then, a number of private landlords have subsequently removed their property from the rental market. With fewer properties available, homelessness increases.
"That competition leads to a growing gap between the amount of rent being charged and the local housing allocation, used to determine the amount of housing benefit that can be paid. This means more renters are having to top up their housing benefit from other benefits. That is the last thing we need during a cost of living crisis.
"In addition, we have no Executive to put in place legislation to deal with this worsening matter, which is exacerbating the homelessness issue. We need it restored alongside the Assembly, to address this issue before we reach the winter and it becomes even more deadly."
Six Men Arrested In Investigation Into Republican Paramilitary Group
Six men, aged between 28 and 54, have been arrested in an investigation into republican paramilitary group, the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA).
According to reports, the arrests were made during an operation in the Glen Road area of west Belfast on Tuesday night.
The men, aged 28, 36, 39, 42, 47 and 54, remain in custody.
It is understood that a number of 'flash-bangs' were deployed during the operation and their use has been reported to the Police Ombudsman as procedure requires.
A5 Works Needed To Save Lives – SDLP
The SDLP has warned that more lives will be lost on the A5 road without progress on the upgrading scheme.
Mr McCrossan was speaking after a number of deaths on the road in recent weeks; he said every option should be exhausted to bring the project forward and save lives.
West Tyrone MLA Mr McCrossan said: "I am incredibly frustrated that well over a decade on from the beginning of plans to upgrade the A5 road we are still waiting. The reality is the delays to carrying out this vital work have cost people their lives, have left families heartbroken and communities ripped apart. Just in recent weeks we have seen a number of deaths on this road and we cannot allow the current situation to continue.
"The frequency of deaths on this road is startling, since 2006 we have seen upwards of 40 people lose their lives while travelling on the A5. This is the most dangerous road anywhere on these islands and it’s utterly disgraceful that this work has been repeatedly held up by legal challenges and red tape with drastic consequences for those who travel along it.
"We have heard speculation that work on this upgrade could finally begin next year, but we can’t afford to wait. I would urge Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd to exhaust every option open to him to bring this project forward and begin work as soon as possible. I understand the challenges we are facing right across our society, but people’s lives are at stake and we need to act now or more people will die on this road."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 September 2018
Up To 100 Roads Closed As Storm Ali Hits NI
A growing number of roads across Northern Ireland are closed due to adverse weather conditions as a result of Storm Ali.
Up To 100 Roads Closed As Storm Ali Hits NI
A growing number of roads across Northern Ireland are closed due to adverse weather conditions as a result of Storm Ali.
20 September 2018
Number Of Roads Remain Closed Following Storm Ali
A number of roads remain closed across Northern Ireland following the damage caused by Storm Ali. The following roads are still closed, however the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) is working to clear the obstructions along with its multiagency partners.
Number Of Roads Remain Closed Following Storm Ali
A number of roads remain closed across Northern Ireland following the damage caused by Storm Ali. The following roads are still closed, however the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) is working to clear the obstructions along with its multiagency partners.
02 March 2018
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
18 November 2024
Road Safety Week Highlights Human Cost Of Road Accidents
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI), emergency services, and victim support groups have launched Road Safety Week 2024, highlighting the devastating impact of road traffic collisions. On average, one person loses their life on Northern Ireland's roads every week, with 57 fatalities recorded so far this year.
Road Safety Week Highlights Human Cost Of Road Accidents
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI), emergency services, and victim support groups have launched Road Safety Week 2024, highlighting the devastating impact of road traffic collisions. On average, one person loses their life on Northern Ireland's roads every week, with 57 fatalities recorded so far this year.
19 October 2011
£4.5m Ards' Roads Investment Underway
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy (pictured) has set out Roads Service's progress on investments totalling £4.5million for maintenance schemes in the Ards Borough this year.
£4.5m Ards' Roads Investment Underway
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy (pictured) has set out Roads Service's progress on investments totalling £4.5million for maintenance schemes in the Ards Borough this year.
-
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.
