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11/09/2008
NI Shut Out 'In The Cold' From UK Fuel Scheme
An MLA has warned elderly people will die from fuel poverty this winter, on the same day it was revealed Northern Ireland households would not benefit from a UK-wide relief on escalating energy prices.
The DUP's William Hay said more should be done, on a local level, to help households struggling to pay fuel bills.
"People are going to be dead this winter, because our senior citizens will have to make a decision whether to buy food or turn on the heat," he warned.
Mr Hay described this as a "sad, sad reality" that we have now arrived at in Northern Ireland.
"We as public representatives need to be seen to be doing something to try and resolve some of these issues," he added.
Northern Ireland customers, who have suffered the highest rises in fuel prices, have been shut out of a government-led scheme to boost English, Welsh and Scottish households, announced today.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown outlined his plans this morning, which include giving all homes in Great Britain discounts on loft and wall insulation and other energy-saving home improvements, such as new boilers, double glazing and lightbulbs, with the most vulnerable getting the work free.
Stormont Junior Minister Jeffrey Donaldson said his Executive colleagues would be taking Mr Brown to task on Northern Ireland's exclusion when he visits the Province next Tuesday.
"There is no reason for Northern Ireland not to be given parity of support from Westminster as the rest of the UK, particularly in light of the big increase in gas and electricity bills announced here," said Mr Donaldson.
"We expect to be given the same support from the Treasury as Scotland, England and Wales. Gordon Brown is coming to Belfast on Tuesday and this will be the hot topic for discussion," he added.
A view backed by fellow minister Sir Reg Empey, who expressed "disappointment" at the Prime Minister's decision.
"If Mr Brown is coming to Belfast next week, instead of wasting our time talking about policing and justice we should be talking about these increased everyday costs and what we're going to do about it," said Sir Reg.
"We're talking life and death here," he stressed.
(PR/JM)
The DUP's William Hay said more should be done, on a local level, to help households struggling to pay fuel bills.
"People are going to be dead this winter, because our senior citizens will have to make a decision whether to buy food or turn on the heat," he warned.
Mr Hay described this as a "sad, sad reality" that we have now arrived at in Northern Ireland.
"We as public representatives need to be seen to be doing something to try and resolve some of these issues," he added.
Northern Ireland customers, who have suffered the highest rises in fuel prices, have been shut out of a government-led scheme to boost English, Welsh and Scottish households, announced today.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown outlined his plans this morning, which include giving all homes in Great Britain discounts on loft and wall insulation and other energy-saving home improvements, such as new boilers, double glazing and lightbulbs, with the most vulnerable getting the work free.
Stormont Junior Minister Jeffrey Donaldson said his Executive colleagues would be taking Mr Brown to task on Northern Ireland's exclusion when he visits the Province next Tuesday.
"There is no reason for Northern Ireland not to be given parity of support from Westminster as the rest of the UK, particularly in light of the big increase in gas and electricity bills announced here," said Mr Donaldson.
"We expect to be given the same support from the Treasury as Scotland, England and Wales. Gordon Brown is coming to Belfast on Tuesday and this will be the hot topic for discussion," he added.
A view backed by fellow minister Sir Reg Empey, who expressed "disappointment" at the Prime Minister's decision.
"If Mr Brown is coming to Belfast next week, instead of wasting our time talking about policing and justice we should be talking about these increased everyday costs and what we're going to do about it," said Sir Reg.
"We're talking life and death here," he stressed.
(PR/JM)
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A shocking 75,000 NI households are living in severe fuel poverty by recognised national standards. Yesterday, the Stormont Minister for Social Development, Nelson McCausland (pictured) welcomed the publication of a report by the University of Ulster entitled 'Defining Fuel Poverty in Northern Ireland: A Preliminary Review'.
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13 June 2022
Govt Must Take 'Serious Action' To Reduce Fuel Prices
With 50% of the cost of a litre of petrol or diesel going to the Treasury, the Government must take serious action to reduce fuel prices across the United Kingdom, DUP Treasury Spokesman Sammy Wilson has said. Mr Wilson said: "Fuel duty and VAT make up 50% of the cost of our fuel with green taxes attributing another 7%.
Govt Must Take 'Serious Action' To Reduce Fuel Prices
With 50% of the cost of a litre of petrol or diesel going to the Treasury, the Government must take serious action to reduce fuel prices across the United Kingdom, DUP Treasury Spokesman Sammy Wilson has said. Mr Wilson said: "Fuel duty and VAT make up 50% of the cost of our fuel with green taxes attributing another 7%.
27 June 2005
Enniskillen facility to safeguard 200 jobs
A new wood fuel pellet production facility based in Enniskillen looks set to safeguard 200 jobs as well as create a further 20 positions in the foreseeable future. Balcas Ltd recently started production on one of Europe’s fastest growing renewable energy sources called ‘brites’ – the bio fuel pellet.
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A new wood fuel pellet production facility based in Enniskillen looks set to safeguard 200 jobs as well as create a further 20 positions in the foreseeable future. Balcas Ltd recently started production on one of Europe’s fastest growing renewable energy sources called ‘brites’ – the bio fuel pellet.
25 June 2004
Customs seize five fuel tankers in Belfast
Customs officers confirmed that five fuel tankers and over 13,000 litres of fuel were seized during a multi-agency operation in Belfast on Wednesday. Working with the police, Customs officers said that the vehicles and fuel was seized as part of an operation aimed at targeting bulk fuel transport vehicles.
Customs seize five fuel tankers in Belfast
Customs officers confirmed that five fuel tankers and over 13,000 litres of fuel were seized during a multi-agency operation in Belfast on Wednesday. Working with the police, Customs officers said that the vehicles and fuel was seized as part of an operation aimed at targeting bulk fuel transport vehicles.
29 May 2012
Access To Republic Of Ireland Digital TV Channels Confirmed For Northern Ireland
TV viewers in Northern Ireland will be able to watch TG4 and RTÉ One and Two on Freeview following digital TV switchover, the UK Government confirmed today.
Access To Republic Of Ireland Digital TV Channels Confirmed For Northern Ireland
TV viewers in Northern Ireland will be able to watch TG4 and RTÉ One and Two on Freeview following digital TV switchover, the UK Government confirmed today.
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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.
