Alliance 'Disappointed' Over Decision To Allow Taxis To Use Bus Lanes

Allowing taxis to use Belfast city centre bus lanes will not address the city's congestion issues, Alliance Infrastructure spokesperson, Peter McReynolds MLA, has said.

The East Belfast MLA said he was "disappointed" at the Infrastructure Minister's decision, which he would "only reduce the efficiency of public transport, increase danger for cyclists and cause confusion for motorists".

McReynolds continued: "Unfortunately, the Minister has continually opted to pursue this approach despite concerns from many groups arguing that it is not a permanent solution and will change very little in reality.

"What we need to see from the Minister and his Department is a variety of options and alternatives to reduce the amount of cars on our roads and help other forms of transport. Today’s announcement only encourages private vehicle use to the detriment of other forms of transport during the busy Christmas period.

"I would strongly urge the minister to reverse this regressive measure and instead see the benefit to reducing car dominance in Belfast and instead make a more public transport, pedestrian and cyclist friendly Belfast."

Latest Vertiv Electrical Switchgear Academy Announced

The Department for the Economy has announced the third, fully-funded, Electrical Switchgear Academy in the North West with Vertiv.

This Academy will see 15 participants undertake seven weeks of training working towards a Level 2 entry level qualification in Electrical Installation (EAL) for work in the electrical switchgear sector.

The Academy will include five weeks' intensive training at North West Regional College (NWRC) and two weeks' work-based training at the Vertiv site in L'Derry.

Welcoming the Academy the Economy Minister Conor Murphy said: "This third Electrical Switchgear Academy with Vertiv will see individuals train in the important area of electrical and mechanical installation and is further evidence of this global provider's ongoing commitment to the North West.

"With no experience required, this is a great opportunity for those starting out on their career journey as well as those who wish to reskill or return to the workforce.

"I urge anyone who is eligible and interested to apply for this opportunity in this exciting industry."

NWRC Principal and Chief Executive Leo Murphy said the college has a successful track record in delivering skills academies that meet the needs of local employers in the North West. He said: "This third Electrical Switchgear Academy with Vertiv marks our commitment, in partnership with the Department for the Economy, to deliver training to participants, equipping them with the skills they need to excel in their future careers.

"As this Academy requires no experience, this is an opportunity for participants to enter a new career, or consider a change of career. We look forward to supporting employers such as Vertiv as they continue to build their workforce of the future."

Aidan Lynch, Electrical and Mechanical Technical Trainer at Vertiv, said: "We are thrilled to announce the launch of the third Assured Skills Academy. Once again supported by the Department for the Economy, these Academies continue to be a valuable asset to the North West region. By delivering top-tier, industry-recognised training in Electrical Switchgear, the Academies equip individuals with the essential skills and knowledge demanded by the modern manufacturing sector.

"As a leading employer in the region, we are delighted to participate in this initiative and offer promising candidates the chance to gain in-demand qualifications while contributing to the growth of our company."

Successful applicants will receive £175 per week training allowance, plus travel and childcare expenses (if eligible) for the duration of the Academy.

Applicants must be over 18 and have the right to work in the UK.

Participants who complete the academy will be guaranteed a job interview for a Junior Panel Wirer position with Vertiv. These permanent jobs will be based at the Vertiv site in L'Derry.

Applications for the Electrical Switchgear Academy are now open and close at midnight on Sunday 26 January 2025.

More information and how to apply can be found at www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/electrical-switchgear-academy

SDLP Concerns For Freedom Of Journalism In NI

SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP has expressed concern for the freedom of journalism in Northern Ireland after the Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT) judgement on Tuesday.

South Belfast and Mid Down MP Ms Hanna said: "The work of Trevor Birney and Barry McCaffrey and their legal teams has exposed a culture within the PSNI that demonstrated a lack of respect for the freedom and protection of journalism - a hallmark of any democracy.

"The findings today demonstrate the need for a robust investigation into the custom and practice adopted by the PSNI of applying surveillance applications on journalists in Northern Ireland. It is reported that since 2011 the PSNI may have issued data communications harvesting applications over 320 times against journalists, 500 times against legal representatives.

"The SDLP will give the McCullagh investigation space to conduct its investigation into the data surveillance actions of the PSNI, however I am also currently working to secure an NI Affairs Committee Inquiry into the protection and freedom of journalism in Northern Ireland.

"At the heart of this story remains the Loughinisland families - victims and survivors who were repeatedly denied truth and justice. The SDLP maintains that no state or non-state actor has a right to suppress truth and justice and any future mechanism for dealing with the past must command the confidence of victims and survivors, be independent and meet ECHR compliance."