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14/05/2024
Other News In Brief
Executive Urged To Deliver On Their Promise To Safeguard Lough Neagh
The SDLP has urged the Executive to deliver on their promise to safeguard Lough Neagh.
Opposition AERA Spokesperson Patsy McGlone was speaking after the Assembly backed an SDLP Opposition motion to recognise the crisis at the Lough and call on the AERA Minister to bring forward legislation to establish an independent Environmental Protection Agency by the end of the Assembly mandate.
Mid Ulster MLA Mr McGlone said: "In the past few days with the spell of hot weather we are already seeing signs of the re-emergence of the toxic algae blooms which wreaked such havoc over the past year, killing wildlife, destroying biodiversity and impacting local businesses. The reasons for the ecological crisis at the Lough are well-worn, but it is deeply disappointing that we stand here again on the brink of another summer where little has been done to address these issues.
"Parties have been clear on the need to act to protect the long-term future of the Lough. One of the AERA Minister's first visits after assuming office was to the Lough, but we need action if we are going to save this precious resource. Protecting our environment should be a priority for every department and there needs to be ownership of this issue from the entire Executive.
"The SDLP has been calling for an independent Environmental Protection Agency for well over a decade and it was agreed as part of New Decade, New Approach. What we have been doing up until this point clearly isn't working and it is our view that an independent body will give us the best chance of safeguarding our natural resources like Lough Neagh."
Appeal After Teenage Boy Assaulted In Ballymoney
PSNI detectives have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following an assault on a teenage boy in the Hamilton Park area of Ballymoney last night, Monday 13th May.
Police received a report at around 10.25pm that a 16-year-old boy was assaulted by two masked men armed with metal bars. The boy attended hospital for treatment to head, leg and arm injuries.
Enquiries are ongoing into this incident, and police are appealing to anyone who witnessed the assault, or has any information to contact Police on 101 and quoting reference 2061 of 13/05/24.
You can also report online at www.psni.police.uk/report or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or crimestoppers-uk.org/.
BoyleSports Return As Sponsor For Summer Festival Of Racing
BoyleSports, Ireland's largest independent bookmaker, has announced its return as the sponsor of the upcoming Summer Festival of Racing.
Notorious for its colourful atmosphere and gripping race schedule, the Summer Festival will attract racegoers from across the region and beyond. As part of the partnership, BoyleSports will have exclusive naming rights to the two most celebrated races at the meeting – The Ulster Derby (Premier Handicap) and The Ulster Oaks.
Both races will occur on day two of the Summer Festival with a considerable prize fund available for the taking.
In addition, the Bookmaker will gain title sponsorship of the full race card at the 'BoyleSports Summer Race Evening' on the 31st May.
Emma Meehan, Chief Executive of Down Royal Racecourse said: "We are thrilled to have BoyleSports return as a sponsor of the Summer Festival of Racing this year.
"Maintaining relationships like these are key to ensuring our industry continues to flourish and we are grateful to BoyleSports for their commitment to racing.
"The Summer Festival is one of the highlights of the year for racing fans, socialites and fashionistas alike and we look forward to delivering another fantastic weekend of entertainment this June."
Sharon McHugh, Head of PR & Sponsorship at BoyleSports, said: "It's wonderful to be back at Down Royal sponsoring this year's Summer Festival of Racing.
"Horse racing and betting go hand-in-hand and this partnership highlights our ongoing dedication to the horse racing industry in Northern Ireland.
"We are excited to showcase our brand to a diverse and highly receptive audience and look forward to contributing to the success of this prestigious event."
The SDLP has urged the Executive to deliver on their promise to safeguard Lough Neagh.
Opposition AERA Spokesperson Patsy McGlone was speaking after the Assembly backed an SDLP Opposition motion to recognise the crisis at the Lough and call on the AERA Minister to bring forward legislation to establish an independent Environmental Protection Agency by the end of the Assembly mandate.
Mid Ulster MLA Mr McGlone said: "In the past few days with the spell of hot weather we are already seeing signs of the re-emergence of the toxic algae blooms which wreaked such havoc over the past year, killing wildlife, destroying biodiversity and impacting local businesses. The reasons for the ecological crisis at the Lough are well-worn, but it is deeply disappointing that we stand here again on the brink of another summer where little has been done to address these issues.
"Parties have been clear on the need to act to protect the long-term future of the Lough. One of the AERA Minister's first visits after assuming office was to the Lough, but we need action if we are going to save this precious resource. Protecting our environment should be a priority for every department and there needs to be ownership of this issue from the entire Executive.
"The SDLP has been calling for an independent Environmental Protection Agency for well over a decade and it was agreed as part of New Decade, New Approach. What we have been doing up until this point clearly isn't working and it is our view that an independent body will give us the best chance of safeguarding our natural resources like Lough Neagh."
Appeal After Teenage Boy Assaulted In Ballymoney
PSNI detectives have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following an assault on a teenage boy in the Hamilton Park area of Ballymoney last night, Monday 13th May.
Police received a report at around 10.25pm that a 16-year-old boy was assaulted by two masked men armed with metal bars. The boy attended hospital for treatment to head, leg and arm injuries.
Enquiries are ongoing into this incident, and police are appealing to anyone who witnessed the assault, or has any information to contact Police on 101 and quoting reference 2061 of 13/05/24.
You can also report online at www.psni.police.uk/report or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or crimestoppers-uk.org/.
BoyleSports Return As Sponsor For Summer Festival Of Racing
BoyleSports, Ireland's largest independent bookmaker, has announced its return as the sponsor of the upcoming Summer Festival of Racing.
Notorious for its colourful atmosphere and gripping race schedule, the Summer Festival will attract racegoers from across the region and beyond. As part of the partnership, BoyleSports will have exclusive naming rights to the two most celebrated races at the meeting – The Ulster Derby (Premier Handicap) and The Ulster Oaks.
Both races will occur on day two of the Summer Festival with a considerable prize fund available for the taking.
In addition, the Bookmaker will gain title sponsorship of the full race card at the 'BoyleSports Summer Race Evening' on the 31st May.
Emma Meehan, Chief Executive of Down Royal Racecourse said: "We are thrilled to have BoyleSports return as a sponsor of the Summer Festival of Racing this year.
"Maintaining relationships like these are key to ensuring our industry continues to flourish and we are grateful to BoyleSports for their commitment to racing.
"The Summer Festival is one of the highlights of the year for racing fans, socialites and fashionistas alike and we look forward to delivering another fantastic weekend of entertainment this June."
Sharon McHugh, Head of PR & Sponsorship at BoyleSports, said: "It's wonderful to be back at Down Royal sponsoring this year's Summer Festival of Racing.
"Horse racing and betting go hand-in-hand and this partnership highlights our ongoing dedication to the horse racing industry in Northern Ireland.
"We are excited to showcase our brand to a diverse and highly receptive audience and look forward to contributing to the success of this prestigious event."
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
