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31/07/2024
Other News In Brief
Rail Review Must Be Start Of Better Transport Across Ireland – SDLP
The SDLP has welcomed the publication of the Final Report of the All Island Strategic Rail Review, which Infrastructure Spokesperson, Mark H Durkan, said must be the start of plans for better transport connections across Ireland.
Mr Durkan said that while the ambition of the review was welcome, areas like the North West and Enniskillen would still be underserved by the proposals.
Foyle MLA Mr Durkan said: "The SDLP brought forward the All Island Strategic Rail Review while in government at Stormont and worked with our colleagues in the Irish Government, envisaging a plan that would change the face of rail travel right across our island. The recommendations published today would go a long way to improving connectivity for cities and towns right across Ireland, but there is still some work to do.
"Despite the clear ambition in these proposals, the North West on both sides of the border and places like Enniskillen will be disappointed that these proposals will mean a continued lack of rail provision in their area. The SDLP has repeatedly highlighted the need to ensure that no part of our island is left behind, both when bringing the rail review together and in our Assembly Opposition motion calling for a costed implementation plan.
"The benefits of this rail review are clear, they will bring our island closer together, making it easier for people to travel for work, socialising or holidays and will also create economic opportunities by establishing links with our airports and major cities. Improved public transport links are key in our attempts to combat the climate crisis and if we are ever going to get people to leave their cars and other vehicles at home then we need to get serious and invest in a modern public transport network, of which these new rail links will be a crucial element.
"Like everything in the North these exciting plans will be jeopardised by the perilous state of our public finances. Given the struggles that the Department for Infrastructure are having in delivering existing projects and the slippage we've already seen on the Derry-Coleraine rail improvement scheme, it is hard to see them delivering something on this scale. I would urge DfI to work with their colleagues in the Irish and British governments and to do everything possible to deliver these plans that will change the way people travel in Ireland for generations to come."
County Tyrone Farmer Fined For Pollution Incident
A County Tyrone farmer has been fined following an Eskragh Water pollution incident in October, 2023.
At Omagh Magistrates' Court, 23-year-old Henry McCarney of Garvallagh Road, Fintona, pleaded guilty to an offence under Article 7(1)(a) of the Water (Northern Ireland) Order 1999. He was fined £750 plus £15 Offenders Levy.
The Court heard that on 3 October 2023, NIEA Water Quality Inspectors (WQIs) examined a tributary of the Eskragh Water (known locally as Agharonan Drain) which was polluted extensively with sewage fungus. The Inspector discovered a grossly polluted sheugh at the northern end of the farm which was discharging farm effluent with the odour and appearance of silage effluent into the Drain. Upstream of this point the Agharonan Drain was clean.
The Inspectors examined a manhole on the farm, where the evidence showed that a recent discharge to the storm water system had occurred. This incident was classified as medium severity with approximately 300 metres of waterway impacted by this discharge.
A tripartite statutory sample was collected from the end of the sheugh where it entered the main waterway. The sample was analysed. The material represented by the sample contained poisonous, noxious or polluting matter which would have been potentially harmful to aquatic life in a receiving waterway.
Anyone wishing to report a pollution incident can call the 24-hour Incident Hotline on 0800 80 70 60.
Maskey Praises Ongoing Efforts Of West Belfast Community Leaders
Sinn Féin MP Paul Maskey has praised youth, community and voluntary workers for their efforts in west Belfast over the last number of weeks keeping young people away from anti-social behaviour.
The West Belfast MP was speaking after convening a meeting of local community and youth workers, community police officers and other statutory bodies and agencies.
Paul Maskey said: "We organised today's meeting to review our response to recent sporadic anti-social behaviour in west Belfast which has occurred over the past while.
"I've been engaging with statutory, voluntary and community organisations, and local residents to achieve a resolution to these issues for many months now.
"These activities by a small number of young people are not representative of our community and are in stark contrast to the hugely positive work that is being done to continue the positive transformation of west Belfast.
"The meeting included key local people who have been central to the community response and who will be continuing to have a presence on the ground in the coming weeks to keep young people safe.
"I want to use this opportunity to appeal parents and the young people themselves to not get caught up in this kind of behaviour which could have a really detrimental impact on their future and lead to a criminal record.
"Youth and community workers have played a fantastic role on the ground in recent weeks, going above and beyond their call of duty to keep anti-social behaviour to a minimum. These workers are pillars of our community and deserve every praise.
"Sinn Féin will continue working hard with the local community to keep our young people safe."
The SDLP has welcomed the publication of the Final Report of the All Island Strategic Rail Review, which Infrastructure Spokesperson, Mark H Durkan, said must be the start of plans for better transport connections across Ireland.
Mr Durkan said that while the ambition of the review was welcome, areas like the North West and Enniskillen would still be underserved by the proposals.
Foyle MLA Mr Durkan said: "The SDLP brought forward the All Island Strategic Rail Review while in government at Stormont and worked with our colleagues in the Irish Government, envisaging a plan that would change the face of rail travel right across our island. The recommendations published today would go a long way to improving connectivity for cities and towns right across Ireland, but there is still some work to do.
"Despite the clear ambition in these proposals, the North West on both sides of the border and places like Enniskillen will be disappointed that these proposals will mean a continued lack of rail provision in their area. The SDLP has repeatedly highlighted the need to ensure that no part of our island is left behind, both when bringing the rail review together and in our Assembly Opposition motion calling for a costed implementation plan.
"The benefits of this rail review are clear, they will bring our island closer together, making it easier for people to travel for work, socialising or holidays and will also create economic opportunities by establishing links with our airports and major cities. Improved public transport links are key in our attempts to combat the climate crisis and if we are ever going to get people to leave their cars and other vehicles at home then we need to get serious and invest in a modern public transport network, of which these new rail links will be a crucial element.
"Like everything in the North these exciting plans will be jeopardised by the perilous state of our public finances. Given the struggles that the Department for Infrastructure are having in delivering existing projects and the slippage we've already seen on the Derry-Coleraine rail improvement scheme, it is hard to see them delivering something on this scale. I would urge DfI to work with their colleagues in the Irish and British governments and to do everything possible to deliver these plans that will change the way people travel in Ireland for generations to come."
County Tyrone Farmer Fined For Pollution Incident
A County Tyrone farmer has been fined following an Eskragh Water pollution incident in October, 2023.
At Omagh Magistrates' Court, 23-year-old Henry McCarney of Garvallagh Road, Fintona, pleaded guilty to an offence under Article 7(1)(a) of the Water (Northern Ireland) Order 1999. He was fined £750 plus £15 Offenders Levy.
The Court heard that on 3 October 2023, NIEA Water Quality Inspectors (WQIs) examined a tributary of the Eskragh Water (known locally as Agharonan Drain) which was polluted extensively with sewage fungus. The Inspector discovered a grossly polluted sheugh at the northern end of the farm which was discharging farm effluent with the odour and appearance of silage effluent into the Drain. Upstream of this point the Agharonan Drain was clean.
The Inspectors examined a manhole on the farm, where the evidence showed that a recent discharge to the storm water system had occurred. This incident was classified as medium severity with approximately 300 metres of waterway impacted by this discharge.
A tripartite statutory sample was collected from the end of the sheugh where it entered the main waterway. The sample was analysed. The material represented by the sample contained poisonous, noxious or polluting matter which would have been potentially harmful to aquatic life in a receiving waterway.
Anyone wishing to report a pollution incident can call the 24-hour Incident Hotline on 0800 80 70 60.
Maskey Praises Ongoing Efforts Of West Belfast Community Leaders
Sinn Féin MP Paul Maskey has praised youth, community and voluntary workers for their efforts in west Belfast over the last number of weeks keeping young people away from anti-social behaviour.
The West Belfast MP was speaking after convening a meeting of local community and youth workers, community police officers and other statutory bodies and agencies.
Paul Maskey said: "We organised today's meeting to review our response to recent sporadic anti-social behaviour in west Belfast which has occurred over the past while.
"I've been engaging with statutory, voluntary and community organisations, and local residents to achieve a resolution to these issues for many months now.
"These activities by a small number of young people are not representative of our community and are in stark contrast to the hugely positive work that is being done to continue the positive transformation of west Belfast.
"The meeting included key local people who have been central to the community response and who will be continuing to have a presence on the ground in the coming weeks to keep young people safe.
"I want to use this opportunity to appeal parents and the young people themselves to not get caught up in this kind of behaviour which could have a really detrimental impact on their future and lead to a criminal record.
"Youth and community workers have played a fantastic role on the ground in recent weeks, going above and beyond their call of duty to keep anti-social behaviour to a minimum. These workers are pillars of our community and deserve every praise.
"Sinn Féin will continue working hard with the local community to keep our young people safe."
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21 November 2024
Attempted Carjacking In West Belfast
Police are investigating an attempted carjacking in west Belfast on Tuesday, November 19th. At around 5:30pm, a man entered a parked car at Hillhead Court and attempted to steal it. A woman passenger was assaulted when she resisted the man's demands. The suspect, described as a man in his 20s wearing all black, fled the scene on foot.
Attempted Carjacking In West Belfast
Police are investigating an attempted carjacking in west Belfast on Tuesday, November 19th. At around 5:30pm, a man entered a parked car at Hillhead Court and attempted to steal it. A woman passenger was assaulted when she resisted the man's demands. The suspect, described as a man in his 20s wearing all black, fled the scene on foot.
15 November 2024
New Pathway To Support Young People With Diabetes
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has welcomed the launch of a new Regional Young Adults' Progression Pathway designed to support young people with Type 1 diabetes as they transition to adult services.
New Pathway To Support Young People With Diabetes
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has welcomed the launch of a new Regional Young Adults' Progression Pathway designed to support young people with Type 1 diabetes as they transition to adult services.
29 May 2008
Welcome For Antrim Project's Job Creation
A new community-based develoment which is creating employment opportunities in Co Antrim has been welcomed by the NI Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie. She helped to launch the new, mixed-use resource and business project in Antrim town.
Welcome For Antrim Project's Job Creation
A new community-based develoment which is creating employment opportunities in Co Antrim has been welcomed by the NI Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie. She helped to launch the new, mixed-use resource and business project in Antrim town.
20 November 2024
Hard-Hitting Road Safety Message Delivered To Young People
Over 800 young people from schools in Lisburn and Castlereagh attended a hard-hitting road safety message at the PSNI Road Safe Roadshow on 19 November. The roadshow, supported by AXA Insurance and the Northern Ireland Road Safety Partnership, aims to educate young drivers about the dangers of irresponsible driving.
Hard-Hitting Road Safety Message Delivered To Young People
Over 800 young people from schools in Lisburn and Castlereagh attended a hard-hitting road safety message at the PSNI Road Safe Roadshow on 19 November. The roadshow, supported by AXA Insurance and the Northern Ireland Road Safety Partnership, aims to educate young drivers about the dangers of irresponsible driving.
02 September 2005
West Belfast community group gets £40k funding
A west Belfast community group, set up to deal with so-called joyriding and other forms of anti-social behaviour, is to receive a £40,000 boost from the Government, it was revealed today.
West Belfast community group gets £40k funding
A west Belfast community group, set up to deal with so-called joyriding and other forms of anti-social behaviour, is to receive a £40,000 boost from the Government, it was revealed today.
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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.
