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22/12/2023
Other News In Brief
Comber Greenway Works To Get Underway From 22 January
The Department for Infrastructure has announced that the next phase of the proposed upgrade works along the Comber Greenway will get underway on Monday 22 January 2024.
This scheme starts approximately 180 metres north-west of its junction with the Ballyrainey Road, and will extend approximately 1.4 kilometres south east until the termination of the Comber Greenway at the Belfast Road junction.
It is anticipated that the work will be completed within fourteen weeks, subject to favourable weather conditions.
The Greenway will be closed from the Billy Neil MBE Country Park to the Old Belfast Road. Users are advised to find an alternative route.
The Department has apologises for any inconvenience that may be associated with the works and would like to thank users, in advance, for their tolerance during the construction process.
UUP Express Their Condolences At The Sudden Death Of Ian Elliot
The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) have expressed their sadness at the sudden death of former Oaklee Housing Chief Executive Ian Elliott.
Paying tribute to Mr Elliot, Fermanagh & South Tyrone Ulster Unionist MLA Tom Elliott, said: "Ian was originally from Fermanagh where his father Wilson Elliott was a long-standing Ulster Unionist Councillor.
"Ian worked for spell at Ulster Unionist Party Headquarters in Belfast, before moving into the Housing Sector where he had a long and successful career, being highly respected within that sphere.
"Our sincere sympathy to Ian's wife and family at this difficult time."
Alliance Welcomes New Flood Support Fund Announcement
The Alliance party has welcomed an Executive Office announcement that a further funding round for flood-impacted businesses will open in January.
Over 200 businesses across NI, particularly in Downpatrick, Newry and Portadown, faced unprecedented flooding for several days at the end of November.
South Down MLA Patrick Brown said many businesses are still struggling to recover, with many not yet able to open their doors due to the damage. So far, rates relief has been applied to these businesses and many were able to apply for a £7.5k grant. However, with the estimated economic impact of the flooding well into the tens of millions, and many excluded from the criteria attached to this initial funding, it is clear more needs to be done to provide financial support to businesses.
Welcoming the announcement, he added: "In November the Alliance Party wrote to relevant agencies outlining our priorities for how the remainder of the £15m flood recovery fund should be spent. I am pleased that the Executive office has an announced a fund very close to what we proposed, specifically a grant fund of up to £100k, based on need for those worst impacted by flooding. Businesses will need to evidence their losses, applications will open in January, and all money must be spent by the end of the financial year.
"There still remains a number of important questions we are seeking clarity on, and this includes whether stock and loss of revenue can be included in calculations (early indications are that only equipment, fixtures/fittings and cleaning/relocation costs will be covered), and also how we can ensure businesses excluded from the £7.5k grant are included. After a positive meeting with Acting Permanent Secretary for Economy Ian Snowden this morning, I was encouraged that his department will be looking into these issues.
"Many businesses who have insurance still face significant losses over and above what they are insured for, and it's important that this is taken into account in any further scheme. Additionally, there are a number of businesses who were excluded because they were not yet trading, are charities or did not have internal flooding. It's important that these factors are taken into account to ensure no one in need of support is excluded."
The Department for Infrastructure has announced that the next phase of the proposed upgrade works along the Comber Greenway will get underway on Monday 22 January 2024.
This scheme starts approximately 180 metres north-west of its junction with the Ballyrainey Road, and will extend approximately 1.4 kilometres south east until the termination of the Comber Greenway at the Belfast Road junction.
It is anticipated that the work will be completed within fourteen weeks, subject to favourable weather conditions.
The Greenway will be closed from the Billy Neil MBE Country Park to the Old Belfast Road. Users are advised to find an alternative route.
The Department has apologises for any inconvenience that may be associated with the works and would like to thank users, in advance, for their tolerance during the construction process.
UUP Express Their Condolences At The Sudden Death Of Ian Elliot
The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) have expressed their sadness at the sudden death of former Oaklee Housing Chief Executive Ian Elliott.
Paying tribute to Mr Elliot, Fermanagh & South Tyrone Ulster Unionist MLA Tom Elliott, said: "Ian was originally from Fermanagh where his father Wilson Elliott was a long-standing Ulster Unionist Councillor.
"Ian worked for spell at Ulster Unionist Party Headquarters in Belfast, before moving into the Housing Sector where he had a long and successful career, being highly respected within that sphere.
"Our sincere sympathy to Ian's wife and family at this difficult time."
Alliance Welcomes New Flood Support Fund Announcement
The Alliance party has welcomed an Executive Office announcement that a further funding round for flood-impacted businesses will open in January.
Over 200 businesses across NI, particularly in Downpatrick, Newry and Portadown, faced unprecedented flooding for several days at the end of November.
South Down MLA Patrick Brown said many businesses are still struggling to recover, with many not yet able to open their doors due to the damage. So far, rates relief has been applied to these businesses and many were able to apply for a £7.5k grant. However, with the estimated economic impact of the flooding well into the tens of millions, and many excluded from the criteria attached to this initial funding, it is clear more needs to be done to provide financial support to businesses.
Welcoming the announcement, he added: "In November the Alliance Party wrote to relevant agencies outlining our priorities for how the remainder of the £15m flood recovery fund should be spent. I am pleased that the Executive office has an announced a fund very close to what we proposed, specifically a grant fund of up to £100k, based on need for those worst impacted by flooding. Businesses will need to evidence their losses, applications will open in January, and all money must be spent by the end of the financial year.
"There still remains a number of important questions we are seeking clarity on, and this includes whether stock and loss of revenue can be included in calculations (early indications are that only equipment, fixtures/fittings and cleaning/relocation costs will be covered), and also how we can ensure businesses excluded from the £7.5k grant are included. After a positive meeting with Acting Permanent Secretary for Economy Ian Snowden this morning, I was encouraged that his department will be looking into these issues.
"Many businesses who have insurance still face significant losses over and above what they are insured for, and it's important that this is taken into account in any further scheme. Additionally, there are a number of businesses who were excluded because they were not yet trading, are charities or did not have internal flooding. It's important that these factors are taken into account to ensure no one in need of support is excluded."
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21 January 2016
Flood Protection Grant Scheme To Be Extended - O'Neill
The Homeowner Flood Protection Grant Scheme is to be extended to small non-domestic properties, Agriculture Minister Michelle O'Neill has announced. The extension comes in addition to the Executive's decision to commit £1.3million to flood prevention. "I very much welcome the Executive's decision to commit £1.
Flood Protection Grant Scheme To Be Extended - O'Neill
The Homeowner Flood Protection Grant Scheme is to be extended to small non-domestic properties, Agriculture Minister Michelle O'Neill has announced. The extension comes in addition to the Executive's decision to commit £1.3million to flood prevention. "I very much welcome the Executive's decision to commit £1.
16 September 2024
O'Dowd Welcomes Progress Of Belfast Tidal Flood Alleviation Scheme
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has welcomed the progress in the ongoing development of the Belfast Tidal Flood Alleviation Scheme, which aims to provide a long-term approach to tidal flood risk management for the city and help protect against the flood risk dangers presented by climate change.
O'Dowd Welcomes Progress Of Belfast Tidal Flood Alleviation Scheme
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has welcomed the progress in the ongoing development of the Belfast Tidal Flood Alleviation Scheme, which aims to provide a long-term approach to tidal flood risk management for the city and help protect against the flood risk dangers presented by climate change.
28 October 2022
Newcastle Flood Protection Works Complete
A £6.3 million scheme to improve the flood protection of homes in Newcastle, Co Down, has been completed. Infrastructure Minister, John O'Dowd, was on site to view the completed Shimna River Flood Alleviation Scheme that will bring 312 homes and businesses enhanced flood protection and reduced flood risk.
Newcastle Flood Protection Works Complete
A £6.3 million scheme to improve the flood protection of homes in Newcastle, Co Down, has been completed. Infrastructure Minister, John O'Dowd, was on site to view the completed Shimna River Flood Alleviation Scheme that will bring 312 homes and businesses enhanced flood protection and reduced flood risk.
10 June 2021
£19m Flood Alleviation Fund Announced
A £19 million fund has been announced for flood protection projects across Northern Ireland by Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon.
£19m Flood Alleviation Fund Announced
A £19 million fund has been announced for flood protection projects across Northern Ireland by Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon.
12 December 2023
UK Govt Urged To Release Second Round Of Flood Funding
Sinn Féin has called on the UK government to urgently sign-off on a proposal from the Department for the Economy to release the second round of funding for businesses affected by recent flooding.
UK Govt Urged To Release Second Round Of Flood Funding
Sinn Féin has called on the UK government to urgently sign-off on a proposal from the Department for the Economy to release the second round of funding for businesses affected by recent flooding.
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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.
