New Documentary "Titanic: Our Secret Histories" To Air On Channel 4, Exploring Forgotten Stories

A new documentary, Titanic: Our Secret Histories, exploring the lesser-known stories of the passengers and crew aboard the RMS Titanic, is set to air on Channel 4 this Saturday, 17th May. The film is co-produced by Tourism Ireland.

Produced by Belfast-based company Afro-Mic Productions, the documentary delves into the untold experiences of some of those who survived and those who perished in the infamous 1912 disaster. As the 40th anniversary of the discovery of the Titanic’s wreckage approaches, viewers will hear from living descendants on both sides of the Atlantic, alongside insights from world-renowned historians.

Titanic: Our Secret Histories is also anticipated to be broadcast in other key tourism markets, including North America, Germany, Spain, and France. This international exposure aims to remind global audiences that Belfast is the birthplace of the Titanic and a compelling visitor destination.

SDLP Slams "Unjustifiable" Mineral Prospecting Licences SDLP Economy Spokesperson Sinéad McLaughlin MLA has strongly criticised the decision to award seven new mineral prospecting licences, stating it directly contradicts the Economy Minister's previous support for a moratorium on such licences.

The licences, granted to four companies, allow for the prospecting of minerals (excluding gold and silver) across areas in at least three counties, potentially leading to future full-scale mining operations.

The Foyle MLA said: "This is a deeply disappointing and unjustifiable decision by the Economy Minister. It is a slap in the face to the communities in these areas who made their objections loud and clear and who have now been ignored." Ms McLaughlin highlighted what she sees as a contradiction in the Minister's position: "What's even more concerning is that this move appears to contradict the Minister's own previously stated position. She was rightly critical in the past of awarding licences before an overhaul of the regulatory framework. If it was wrong then, it's wrong now. This is the latest in a long line of examples of Sinn Féin Ministers saying one thing and doing another."

Ms McLaughlin concluded: "The SDLP is calling for the suspension of these licenses until the outcome of the department's comprehensive review of mineral licensing is known."

Council Backs Alliance Motion For Improved Post-19 SEN Provision

Alliance Larne Lough Councillor Maeve Donnelly has welcomed cross-party support for her motion aimed at improving post-19 provision for young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and supporting the work of Caleb's Cause and Alma White.

The motion, which passed at a full council meeting on Monday evening (12th May), commits the council to enhancing post-19 SEN support and to writing to the Ministers for the Economy, Health, and Education. The letter will urge them to consider introducing legislation for post-19 Education Health and Care (EHC) plans, similar to those available elsewhere in the UK. 

Councillor Donnelly, herself a special school teacher, said: "As a teacher in a special school myself, I know first hand the anxiety and stress faced by so many parents of SEN children when they are due to move up in school, knowing how little support there is when school eventually finishes.

"It's clear that there is cross-party support for legislative change, but it will require cross-departmental working to get the right legislation to truly improve opportunities for these young people. I'm glad that my colleagues in other parties were able to recognise this dire need for provision and support our motion," Councillor Donnelly added.

She concluded: "Every young person has hopes, dreams, and aspirations, and every single one of them deserves the chance to reach their fullest potential. We must do all we can to ensure our education system is inclusive for all and free from the barriers currently faced by so many with special educational needs, and I hope this can be another step in the right direction."