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10/01/2024
Other News In Brief
SDLP Welcomes Engagement With PSNI
The SDLP has welcomed engagement with the PSNI on a number of issues impacting the local community in north Belfast.
Councillor Whyte met with the recently appointed North Belfast Area Commander Chief Inspector Alan Lowry this week.
Councillor Whyte said: "It was important to have the opportunity to meet with Chief Inspector Alan Lowry as he takes up a new role as area commander in north Belfast. The area has a range of complex problems and I welcome Chief Inspector Lowry's acknowledgement of the challenges facing those who live here.
"We discussed a wide range of issues including violence against women and girls, road safety, the use of scramblers in residential areas, the lack of regulation around scramblers and e-scooters, general anti-social behaviour, drug dealing and misuse in our city centre and graffiti which continues to blight a number of areas.
"While I welcome that the police have a number of initiatives and measures in place to deal with these different issues, the continued impact of pressure on financial resources is a concern. It is important in a place like north Belfast that officers are able to work on the ground helping people and communities. I will continue to work with Chief Inspector Lowry and our local officers as we work together to tackle crime and associated issues across north Belfast."
UUP Supports Call For Reform Of NI's Current Planning System
The Ulster Unionist Party has welcomed a new report from the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which calls for reform of NI's current planning system.
UUP deputy leader Robbie Butler MLA said: "I welcome the report published today by the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry which highlights many of the challenges our existing planning system has created.
"It is obvious that the entire system requires urgent and thorough review, ensuring that any amended and modernised replacement provides a simple, clear and efficient planning service.
"I, along with my party colleagues, will be calling on the department to undertake a full root-and-branch review of the planning system and will, when a functioning Executive returns to Stormont, call on the Minister to give this matter the attention it deserves."
Alliance Calls For Clarity On Strangford Ferry Services
The Department for Infrastructure has been urged to provide clarity about its commitment to operating a ferry service on Strangford Lough, after it left passengers stranded following a suspended service last month.
Alliance Strangford MLA Kellie Armstrong recently wrote to the Department regarding the problem, which occurred on December 26 due to an electrical fault, only to be told there was no issue, an assertion the Alliance representative disagrees with.
"On Boxing Day, one of the ferries went out of service without appropriate notice being given, with the other unavailable due to lack of crew numbers. That left passengers stranded without a way to cross back over the other side of the Lough. The Department has confirmed there is no intention to provide alternative arrangements in a situation like this," she said.
"It meant a number of people, including those visiting family over the festive period and hospitality workers, were essentially abandoned by the lack of a ferry. That's not good enough. The people of Strangford are not second-class citizens to be abandoned due to poor planning and lack of ferry maintenance.
"I have written to the Department and while the Permanent Secretary is unable to meet me, he has confirmed the ferry will remain out of commission until repairs are carried out next week. He has further stated no alternative arrangements are in place to address any future similar scenario which arises.
"It is disappointing the Department insists there is a 98-99 per cent service availability, when that figure excludes how often the ferry is taken out of service at short notice. As a local resident, I am calling on the Department to provide clarity around its commitment to operating a ferry service on Strangford Lough."
The SDLP has welcomed engagement with the PSNI on a number of issues impacting the local community in north Belfast.
Councillor Whyte met with the recently appointed North Belfast Area Commander Chief Inspector Alan Lowry this week.
Councillor Whyte said: "It was important to have the opportunity to meet with Chief Inspector Alan Lowry as he takes up a new role as area commander in north Belfast. The area has a range of complex problems and I welcome Chief Inspector Lowry's acknowledgement of the challenges facing those who live here.
"We discussed a wide range of issues including violence against women and girls, road safety, the use of scramblers in residential areas, the lack of regulation around scramblers and e-scooters, general anti-social behaviour, drug dealing and misuse in our city centre and graffiti which continues to blight a number of areas.
"While I welcome that the police have a number of initiatives and measures in place to deal with these different issues, the continued impact of pressure on financial resources is a concern. It is important in a place like north Belfast that officers are able to work on the ground helping people and communities. I will continue to work with Chief Inspector Lowry and our local officers as we work together to tackle crime and associated issues across north Belfast."
UUP Supports Call For Reform Of NI's Current Planning System
The Ulster Unionist Party has welcomed a new report from the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which calls for reform of NI's current planning system.
UUP deputy leader Robbie Butler MLA said: "I welcome the report published today by the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry which highlights many of the challenges our existing planning system has created.
"It is obvious that the entire system requires urgent and thorough review, ensuring that any amended and modernised replacement provides a simple, clear and efficient planning service.
"I, along with my party colleagues, will be calling on the department to undertake a full root-and-branch review of the planning system and will, when a functioning Executive returns to Stormont, call on the Minister to give this matter the attention it deserves."
Alliance Calls For Clarity On Strangford Ferry Services
The Department for Infrastructure has been urged to provide clarity about its commitment to operating a ferry service on Strangford Lough, after it left passengers stranded following a suspended service last month.
Alliance Strangford MLA Kellie Armstrong recently wrote to the Department regarding the problem, which occurred on December 26 due to an electrical fault, only to be told there was no issue, an assertion the Alliance representative disagrees with.
"On Boxing Day, one of the ferries went out of service without appropriate notice being given, with the other unavailable due to lack of crew numbers. That left passengers stranded without a way to cross back over the other side of the Lough. The Department has confirmed there is no intention to provide alternative arrangements in a situation like this," she said.
"It meant a number of people, including those visiting family over the festive period and hospitality workers, were essentially abandoned by the lack of a ferry. That's not good enough. The people of Strangford are not second-class citizens to be abandoned due to poor planning and lack of ferry maintenance.
"I have written to the Department and while the Permanent Secretary is unable to meet me, he has confirmed the ferry will remain out of commission until repairs are carried out next week. He has further stated no alternative arrangements are in place to address any future similar scenario which arises.
"It is disappointing the Department insists there is a 98-99 per cent service availability, when that figure excludes how often the ferry is taken out of service at short notice. As a local resident, I am calling on the Department to provide clarity around its commitment to operating a ferry service on Strangford Lough."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
24 April 2009
SOS For Sinking Ferry Service
As a scenic cross border transport link remains in jeopardy, a Coleraine Sinn Féin councillor has urged NI Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster to take action to save the ferry. Billy Leonard wants the DUP Minister to play her part along with other Stormont Executive colleagues to save the Magilligan ferry service to Greencastle.
SOS For Sinking Ferry Service
As a scenic cross border transport link remains in jeopardy, a Coleraine Sinn Féin councillor has urged NI Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster to take action to save the ferry. Billy Leonard wants the DUP Minister to play her part along with other Stormont Executive colleagues to save the Magilligan ferry service to Greencastle.
30 March 2006
Rathlin Ferry to begin early tourist season sailings
Visitors to Rathlin will be welcomed early this year as the new summer timetable for the island's ferry service will commence a month earlier than usual.
Rathlin Ferry to begin early tourist season sailings
Visitors to Rathlin will be welcomed early this year as the new summer timetable for the island's ferry service will commence a month earlier than usual.
01 October 2009
Foyle Ferry Refloated
A lifeline has been thrown to a fast-sinking cross-border car ferry service. The crisis-hit Lough Foyle Ferry - which was due to cease services this week for good - is to continue until at least Christmas, on the understanding that new funding is found.
Foyle Ferry Refloated
A lifeline has been thrown to a fast-sinking cross-border car ferry service. The crisis-hit Lough Foyle Ferry - which was due to cease services this week for good - is to continue until at least Christmas, on the understanding that new funding is found.
13 May 2009
Cross-Border Ferry Thrown Lifeline
There is renewed hope today that an innovative cross-border ferry service that has been under threat may yet remain afloat. The Lough Foyle Ferry Company used to receive an annual subsidy, which has now run out. Last year, losses of €56,000 were sustained, with estimates that it could lose nearly €224,000 this year.
Cross-Border Ferry Thrown Lifeline
There is renewed hope today that an innovative cross-border ferry service that has been under threat may yet remain afloat. The Lough Foyle Ferry Company used to receive an annual subsidy, which has now run out. Last year, losses of €56,000 were sustained, with estimates that it could lose nearly €224,000 this year.
06 February 2009
Foyle Ferry Finance Bid Fails
News that the Irish government has firmly ruled out providing any money towards ensuring the Lough Foyle cross-border ferry service will operate this coming season has proved a further setback for the service's supporters.
Foyle Ferry Finance Bid Fails
News that the Irish government has firmly ruled out providing any money towards ensuring the Lough Foyle cross-border ferry service will operate this coming season has proved a further setback for the service's supporters.
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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.
