Menu
08/12/2023
Other News In Brief
Alliance Calls On Heaton-Harris To Urgently Meet With Transport Unions
The Alliance Party has called on the Secretary of State, Chris Heaton-Harris, to urgently meet with unions in an effort to avoid any further public transport strikes.
Making the call, the party's Transport Spokesperson David Honeyford said: "We are under no illusion about the justified frustration felt by transport workers on poor pay and conditions arising from the ongoing lack of investment in our public transport infrastructure.
"We recognise that this frustration is only exacerbated by the decision to instruct Departments to consult on revenue-raising measures such as removing concessionary fares when those are not going to have the necessary impact to deliver longer-term funding for public transport and accessible travel.
"The Secretary of State has it in his power, either by reforming the institutions to enable them to sit or by investing to improve pay and conditions to enable public transport to play its role in improving the economy more effectively, to address the issues justifiably raised by the Unions.
"For as long as the Secretary of State refuses to reform the institutions to enable restoration of devolution and for as long as he feels he has a role in revenue raising, then he also has a role in resolving pay and conditions.
"No one wants these strikes to take place, and therefore I would call on the Secretary of State to meet the Unions urgently to find a resolution."
DUP Will 'Continue To Stand Up For Households' To Oppose Water Charges
The DUP has claimed that it will "continue to stand up for households" and oppose the introduction of water and sewerage charges in NI.
Following the launch of a consultation by the Department for Infrastructure on options for introducing charges, the DUP's Infrastructure Spokesman Phillip Brett said: "The people of Northern Ireland already pay for their water through their Rates Bill and any further attempt to introduce another tax by stealth, will simply not fly.
"The current underfunding of Northern Ireland Water is yet another symptom of the failure by HM Government to fund public services here based upon objective need.
"It is neither fair nor sustainable for Northern Ireland to be funded below need, the solution to this problem requires the underfunding of public services here to be addressed by the Treasury.
"The DUP has been highlighting this problem consistently and we will continue to press this matter in our ongoing discussions with the Government, to ensure key public services are properly funded both now and in the future."
Suspected Cocaine, Cannabis And Diazepam Seized In Newcastle
A 22-year-old man has been arrested and quantities of cocaine, cannabis and diazepam have been seized following a search operation in the Newcastle area.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Support Team officers, assisted by local Neighbourhood Policing Team officers, conducted a search at a property in the Newcastle area, on Thursday 7 December.
As a result of the search suspected drugs and a sum of cash was seized. A 22 year old man was arrested on suspicion of a number of offences including possession of class A, B and C drugs, possession of class A, B and C drugs with intent to supply and possessing criminal property. The man was questioned and later released on bail to allow for further police enquiries to be conducted.
Newry, Mourne & Down District Commander, Superintendent Norman Haslett said: "This search and arrest demonstrates our commitment to keeping our local communities safe from this type of criminality and removing dangerous, illegal substances from our streets. I would ask anyone with concerns or information about the supply or use of illegal drugs to contact police on 101. A report can also be made online using our non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org/."
The Alliance Party has called on the Secretary of State, Chris Heaton-Harris, to urgently meet with unions in an effort to avoid any further public transport strikes.
Making the call, the party's Transport Spokesperson David Honeyford said: "We are under no illusion about the justified frustration felt by transport workers on poor pay and conditions arising from the ongoing lack of investment in our public transport infrastructure.
"We recognise that this frustration is only exacerbated by the decision to instruct Departments to consult on revenue-raising measures such as removing concessionary fares when those are not going to have the necessary impact to deliver longer-term funding for public transport and accessible travel.
"The Secretary of State has it in his power, either by reforming the institutions to enable them to sit or by investing to improve pay and conditions to enable public transport to play its role in improving the economy more effectively, to address the issues justifiably raised by the Unions.
"For as long as the Secretary of State refuses to reform the institutions to enable restoration of devolution and for as long as he feels he has a role in revenue raising, then he also has a role in resolving pay and conditions.
"No one wants these strikes to take place, and therefore I would call on the Secretary of State to meet the Unions urgently to find a resolution."
DUP Will 'Continue To Stand Up For Households' To Oppose Water Charges
The DUP has claimed that it will "continue to stand up for households" and oppose the introduction of water and sewerage charges in NI.
Following the launch of a consultation by the Department for Infrastructure on options for introducing charges, the DUP's Infrastructure Spokesman Phillip Brett said: "The people of Northern Ireland already pay for their water through their Rates Bill and any further attempt to introduce another tax by stealth, will simply not fly.
"The current underfunding of Northern Ireland Water is yet another symptom of the failure by HM Government to fund public services here based upon objective need.
"It is neither fair nor sustainable for Northern Ireland to be funded below need, the solution to this problem requires the underfunding of public services here to be addressed by the Treasury.
"The DUP has been highlighting this problem consistently and we will continue to press this matter in our ongoing discussions with the Government, to ensure key public services are properly funded both now and in the future."
Suspected Cocaine, Cannabis And Diazepam Seized In Newcastle
A 22-year-old man has been arrested and quantities of cocaine, cannabis and diazepam have been seized following a search operation in the Newcastle area.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Support Team officers, assisted by local Neighbourhood Policing Team officers, conducted a search at a property in the Newcastle area, on Thursday 7 December.
As a result of the search suspected drugs and a sum of cash was seized. A 22 year old man was arrested on suspicion of a number of offences including possession of class A, B and C drugs, possession of class A, B and C drugs with intent to supply and possessing criminal property. The man was questioned and later released on bail to allow for further police enquiries to be conducted.
Newry, Mourne & Down District Commander, Superintendent Norman Haslett said: "This search and arrest demonstrates our commitment to keeping our local communities safe from this type of criminality and removing dangerous, illegal substances from our streets. I would ask anyone with concerns or information about the supply or use of illegal drugs to contact police on 101. A report can also be made online using our non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org/."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 February 2024
72hr Transport Strike Suspended Following Pay Offer
A planned 72 hour public transport strike has been suspended to allow union members to be balloted on an improved pay offer.
72hr Transport Strike Suspended Following Pay Offer
A planned 72 hour public transport strike has been suspended to allow union members to be balloted on an improved pay offer.
08 August 2024
Transport Infrastructure Key To Supporting Hospitality And Tourism
Transport infrastructure plays a key role in supporting Northern Ireland's hospitality and tourism sectors, Infrastructure Minister, John O'Dowd, has said. Minister O'Dowd has met with the newly formed Connectivity Coalition to discuss how the transport, hospitality and tourism sectors can work together.
Transport Infrastructure Key To Supporting Hospitality And Tourism
Transport infrastructure plays a key role in supporting Northern Ireland's hospitality and tourism sectors, Infrastructure Minister, John O'Dowd, has said. Minister O'Dowd has met with the newly formed Connectivity Coalition to discuss how the transport, hospitality and tourism sectors can work together.
31 July 2023
PSNI And Translink Launch Summer Safety Campaign
The PSNI and Translink have launched a summer safety campaign, reminding the public of the importance of safety when they are out and about over the summer months.
PSNI And Translink Launch Summer Safety Campaign
The PSNI and Translink have launched a summer safety campaign, reminding the public of the importance of safety when they are out and about over the summer months.
06 July 2011
Public Transport Spending Must Be Prioritised
A crucial government strategy has failed to address Northern Ireland's over-reliance on road transport, according to a leading body of professionals. RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) Northern Ireland, says that there has been a disproportionate allocation of funding for road building in Northern Ireland over other forms of transport.
Public Transport Spending Must Be Prioritised
A crucial government strategy has failed to address Northern Ireland's over-reliance on road transport, according to a leading body of professionals. RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) Northern Ireland, says that there has been a disproportionate allocation of funding for road building in Northern Ireland over other forms of transport.
19 August 2019
40,000 To Attend Foo Fighters Belfast Gig
The Foo Fighters are set to kick off Belfast Vital to a crowd of 40,000 people tonight, Monday 19 August. Police have outlined a number of road closures ahead of the concert at Boucher Road Playing Fields in south Belfast.
40,000 To Attend Foo Fighters Belfast Gig
The Foo Fighters are set to kick off Belfast Vital to a crowd of 40,000 people tonight, Monday 19 August. Police have outlined a number of road closures ahead of the concert at Boucher Road Playing Fields in south Belfast.
-
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.
