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04/10/2023
Other News In Brief
SDLP Welcomes DoI Update On A5 Upgrade
The SDLP has welcomed a Department of Infrastructure (DoI) update on the A5 Western Transport Corridor scheme which indicates work on the first phase of the project could begin next year.
The DoI has indicated that the PAC Report following the public inquiry is due to be published by the end of this year.
Subject to funding and further legal challenges the department said work on the New Buildings to Sion Mills section could start in mid-2024 with construction on the third and final section beginning in Spring 2025.
West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan said: "This positive update on the progress of the A5 upgrade is the first real sight of light at the end of the tunnel after what has been over a decade of campaigning to have this important work carried out to increase road safety and save lives right across this area. We have already waited far too long for this upgrade, people here have been losing faith that it would ever happen and this update will bring renewed hope to many.
"Far too many lives have been lost on this road, with countless others seriously injured. I have met with bereaved families and saw firsthand how lives have been changed irreparably due to the loss of loved ones. That many of these families have joined the A5 campaign is a testament to their strength and courage and their involvement sent a powerful message that we would not stop until this project was completed.
"The next few months are going to be key to seeing the A5 upgrade become a reality. I would urge those who have previously opposed this work to finally stand aside for the benefit of everyone who travels on this road. We must do everything we can to save lives and improve local infrastructure which will help us to attract the jobs and investment we are crying out for.
"The SDLP has been fighting for the A5 upgrade for many years and it has been my foremost priority since becoming an MLA. I will continue to do everything I can to see this project realised, we have come so far and we must see the A5 upgrade delivered."
Alliance Praise Work Of Community Transport On Its 25th Anniversary
The Alliance Party has praised the work of Community Transport, as they mark their 25th anniversary.
Communities spokesperson Kellie Armstrong said: "During those years, Rural Transport provided thousands of older people and people with disabilities with accessible transport solutions. The Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme (MiDAS) trained hundreds of community and volunteer drivers, and I personally wrote hundreds of S10b minibus permits on behalf of DVANI for minibuses across the country.
"Community Transport was supported by grant funding through the Rural Transport Fund and the Transport Programme for People with Disabilities in urban areas. That funding helped to provide minibus transport services, driven by community volunteer drivers where public or private transport was unsuitable or not available. The main providers of wheelchair accessible transport before low floor vehicles were introduced, community minibuses continue to be the only access option for many people with limited mobility.
"Every time I see a white minibus I am reminded of the lovely passengers, committed drivers, and kind office staff, who were all tirelessly committed to delivering local transport solutions to make life better for those that needed them in our communities.
"I used to say Community Transport played a pivotal role in the community, and that it was the enabler than helped people stay connected and reduce isolation. It still is. For 25 years Community Transport has made a difference, and I am so privileged to have been part of such a wonderful movement of dedicated community activists."
Protection Of Works 'Front And Centre' Of Renewed Executive – SF
The protections of workers and families will be front and centre to Sinn Féin's approach in restoring the power sharing Executive, the party's workers' rights spokesperson, Declan Kearney has said.
Speaking after meeting a delegation representing the NIC – ICTU in Stormont, alongside First Minister Designate Michelle O'Neill, the South Antrim MLA said: "During out bilateral meeting with union leaders including ICTU President Justin McCamphill, Assistant General Secretary Gerry Murphy, and Paddy Mackle Chairperson of the NIC, we discussed the state of public finances, the important need to stabilise public services, as well as pay and conditions for public sector workers in the north.
"The Congress delegation underlines its deep concern about the ongoing political instability and the impact this is having upon members and families in the midst of the cost-of-living crisis.
"Sinn Féin reiterated our commitment to getting properly resourced power sharing institutions in place, and removing the anti-democratic blockade being maintained by one party.
"I assured the trade union colleagues that Sinn Féin will be advocating for a new dialogue with the trade union movement in a new Executive, so that all civic stakeholders will have a meaningful influence over future economic, industrial and social policy.
"It is absolutely essential that our political institutions are made to deliver for all of society.
"Sinn Féin will ensure the priorities of workers and families will be front and centre to that new approach."
The SDLP has welcomed a Department of Infrastructure (DoI) update on the A5 Western Transport Corridor scheme which indicates work on the first phase of the project could begin next year.
The DoI has indicated that the PAC Report following the public inquiry is due to be published by the end of this year.
Subject to funding and further legal challenges the department said work on the New Buildings to Sion Mills section could start in mid-2024 with construction on the third and final section beginning in Spring 2025.
West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan said: "This positive update on the progress of the A5 upgrade is the first real sight of light at the end of the tunnel after what has been over a decade of campaigning to have this important work carried out to increase road safety and save lives right across this area. We have already waited far too long for this upgrade, people here have been losing faith that it would ever happen and this update will bring renewed hope to many.
"Far too many lives have been lost on this road, with countless others seriously injured. I have met with bereaved families and saw firsthand how lives have been changed irreparably due to the loss of loved ones. That many of these families have joined the A5 campaign is a testament to their strength and courage and their involvement sent a powerful message that we would not stop until this project was completed.
"The next few months are going to be key to seeing the A5 upgrade become a reality. I would urge those who have previously opposed this work to finally stand aside for the benefit of everyone who travels on this road. We must do everything we can to save lives and improve local infrastructure which will help us to attract the jobs and investment we are crying out for.
"The SDLP has been fighting for the A5 upgrade for many years and it has been my foremost priority since becoming an MLA. I will continue to do everything I can to see this project realised, we have come so far and we must see the A5 upgrade delivered."
Alliance Praise Work Of Community Transport On Its 25th Anniversary
The Alliance Party has praised the work of Community Transport, as they mark their 25th anniversary.
Communities spokesperson Kellie Armstrong said: "During those years, Rural Transport provided thousands of older people and people with disabilities with accessible transport solutions. The Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme (MiDAS) trained hundreds of community and volunteer drivers, and I personally wrote hundreds of S10b minibus permits on behalf of DVANI for minibuses across the country.
"Community Transport was supported by grant funding through the Rural Transport Fund and the Transport Programme for People with Disabilities in urban areas. That funding helped to provide minibus transport services, driven by community volunteer drivers where public or private transport was unsuitable or not available. The main providers of wheelchair accessible transport before low floor vehicles were introduced, community minibuses continue to be the only access option for many people with limited mobility.
"Every time I see a white minibus I am reminded of the lovely passengers, committed drivers, and kind office staff, who were all tirelessly committed to delivering local transport solutions to make life better for those that needed them in our communities.
"I used to say Community Transport played a pivotal role in the community, and that it was the enabler than helped people stay connected and reduce isolation. It still is. For 25 years Community Transport has made a difference, and I am so privileged to have been part of such a wonderful movement of dedicated community activists."
Protection Of Works 'Front And Centre' Of Renewed Executive – SF
The protections of workers and families will be front and centre to Sinn Féin's approach in restoring the power sharing Executive, the party's workers' rights spokesperson, Declan Kearney has said.
Speaking after meeting a delegation representing the NIC – ICTU in Stormont, alongside First Minister Designate Michelle O'Neill, the South Antrim MLA said: "During out bilateral meeting with union leaders including ICTU President Justin McCamphill, Assistant General Secretary Gerry Murphy, and Paddy Mackle Chairperson of the NIC, we discussed the state of public finances, the important need to stabilise public services, as well as pay and conditions for public sector workers in the north.
"The Congress delegation underlines its deep concern about the ongoing political instability and the impact this is having upon members and families in the midst of the cost-of-living crisis.
"Sinn Féin reiterated our commitment to getting properly resourced power sharing institutions in place, and removing the anti-democratic blockade being maintained by one party.
"I assured the trade union colleagues that Sinn Féin will be advocating for a new dialogue with the trade union movement in a new Executive, so that all civic stakeholders will have a meaningful influence over future economic, industrial and social policy.
"It is absolutely essential that our political institutions are made to deliver for all of society.
"Sinn Féin will ensure the priorities of workers and families will be front and centre to that new approach."
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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.
