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04/09/2008
Other NI News In Brief
Flood Failure Slammed: DUP
As high-level talks get underway this morning at Stormont between the DUP and Sinn Fein on devolution, answers to local issues are also being sought. A DUP MLA, Robin Newton, (pictured) who represents East Belfast, has called on a fellow MLA and a NI Executive Minister to meet his constituents over flood damage that followed last month's torrential rain. He said he was extremely "angry and disappointed for my constituents who have been flooded as a result of the River Loop bursting its banks". He claimed that the refusal of the Minister of Agriculture, Sinn Fein's Michelle Gildernew to agree to a meeting with the flood victims will leave local residents "greatly annoyed and disillusioned at being rejected". Robin Newton said: "The recent flooding has affected my constituents living and working on the Castlereagh Road in close proximity to the River Loop. A number of homes and business premises were swamped as torrents of both river water and sewerage flowed throughout their premises. People need to be able to put their concerns across a table direct to the Minister. They need to look the Minister in the eye and gain assurances that the problems are being tackled; that's supposedly the distinct advantage of a devolved administration."
From Little Acorns.....?
A Magherafelt-based software development company, Acorn IT, is being assisted by Invest Northern Ireland to grow its business by investing in innovation and exports. The technology company is investing £256,000 and aims to double its workforce to 10 over the next three years. The export-focused expansion was announced by Dominic McMullan, who formed the company in 2002 with Declan Bradley, and welcomed by Des Gartland, Manager of Invest NI's North West Regional Office in Londonderry. Invest NI is contributing £49,850 towards eligible project costs of £171,376.
Conway Mill Boosted
NI Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie visited a west Belfast community facility this week to announce the start of the refurbishment work on Conway Mill, an iconic local landmark. The Department for Social Development, one of six funding parties has committed almost £1.7million through its Neighbourhood Renewal initiative to help facilitate the £5.1million project. The regeneration of Conway Mill will enable it to be fully utilised in providing a centre for education and employment and at the same time preserve the historic nature of the mill buildings. Welcoming the news, Minister Ritchie said: "Economic development is a key element of any successful regeneration programme. The refurbished Conway Mill will provide an enhanced facility that will foster and encourage social and economic opportunities for the local community. Upon completion in spring 2010, this new facility will act as a catalyst for other economic development initiatives and investment. The project will also aim to create over 100 jobs within four years of refurbishment, giving a much needed boost to this area of the city."
Events' Fillip
Northern Ireland has developed an appetite and expertise for hosting high profile international events. That's according to NI Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, Gregory Campbell, who speaking at a conference, 'In Any Event' yesterday. He said: "For so many years, Northern Ireland was ignored by event organisers. We were not deemed safe or profitable enough to feature on an itinerary for international performers or events. Thankfully things have changed: a more stable political situation, a period of relative economic prosperity and improvements to infrastructure which facilitate major events has helped to establish Northern Ireland as a destination for international events. With innovations such as the internet, the market has gone truly global. We have done well in recent years in making Northern Ireland the destination of choice and now we want to maintain our position," he said, noting that events make a valuable contribution to the economy, attracting tourism and inward investment and showcasing the best of what Northern Ireland has to offer to locals and visitors alike.
(BMcC/KMcA)
As high-level talks get underway this morning at Stormont between the DUP and Sinn Fein on devolution, answers to local issues are also being sought. A DUP MLA, Robin Newton, (pictured) who represents East Belfast, has called on a fellow MLA and a NI Executive Minister to meet his constituents over flood damage that followed last month's torrential rain. He said he was extremely "angry and disappointed for my constituents who have been flooded as a result of the River Loop bursting its banks". He claimed that the refusal of the Minister of Agriculture, Sinn Fein's Michelle Gildernew to agree to a meeting with the flood victims will leave local residents "greatly annoyed and disillusioned at being rejected". Robin Newton said: "The recent flooding has affected my constituents living and working on the Castlereagh Road in close proximity to the River Loop. A number of homes and business premises were swamped as torrents of both river water and sewerage flowed throughout their premises. People need to be able to put their concerns across a table direct to the Minister. They need to look the Minister in the eye and gain assurances that the problems are being tackled; that's supposedly the distinct advantage of a devolved administration."
From Little Acorns.....?
A Magherafelt-based software development company, Acorn IT, is being assisted by Invest Northern Ireland to grow its business by investing in innovation and exports. The technology company is investing £256,000 and aims to double its workforce to 10 over the next three years. The export-focused expansion was announced by Dominic McMullan, who formed the company in 2002 with Declan Bradley, and welcomed by Des Gartland, Manager of Invest NI's North West Regional Office in Londonderry. Invest NI is contributing £49,850 towards eligible project costs of £171,376.
Conway Mill Boosted
NI Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie visited a west Belfast community facility this week to announce the start of the refurbishment work on Conway Mill, an iconic local landmark. The Department for Social Development, one of six funding parties has committed almost £1.7million through its Neighbourhood Renewal initiative to help facilitate the £5.1million project. The regeneration of Conway Mill will enable it to be fully utilised in providing a centre for education and employment and at the same time preserve the historic nature of the mill buildings. Welcoming the news, Minister Ritchie said: "Economic development is a key element of any successful regeneration programme. The refurbished Conway Mill will provide an enhanced facility that will foster and encourage social and economic opportunities for the local community. Upon completion in spring 2010, this new facility will act as a catalyst for other economic development initiatives and investment. The project will also aim to create over 100 jobs within four years of refurbishment, giving a much needed boost to this area of the city."
Events' Fillip
Northern Ireland has developed an appetite and expertise for hosting high profile international events. That's according to NI Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, Gregory Campbell, who speaking at a conference, 'In Any Event' yesterday. He said: "For so many years, Northern Ireland was ignored by event organisers. We were not deemed safe or profitable enough to feature on an itinerary for international performers or events. Thankfully things have changed: a more stable political situation, a period of relative economic prosperity and improvements to infrastructure which facilitate major events has helped to establish Northern Ireland as a destination for international events. With innovations such as the internet, the market has gone truly global. We have done well in recent years in making Northern Ireland the destination of choice and now we want to maintain our position," he said, noting that events make a valuable contribution to the economy, attracting tourism and inward investment and showcasing the best of what Northern Ireland has to offer to locals and visitors alike.
(BMcC/KMcA)
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£93m Coca-Cola Plant Fizzing
The new £93million Coca-Cola HBC Northern Ireland manufacturing plant was officially opened in Lisburn today. Coca-Cola HBC Northern Ireland is part of the Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company, the world’s largest producer of Coca-Cola branded beverages with a presence in 28 countries, employing 45,000 people and serving 560 million consumers.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
