21/05/2009
Other NI News In Brief
NI Visit For Pope?
The Secretary of State is in Rome on a brief visit following earlier support for the peace process expressed by the Vatican. Sean Woodward said that the Vatican has continued to show a strong interest in maintaining the peace process and he said he "expressed the hope that the Pope would be able to come to Northern Ireland as part of a visit". Along with Pope Benedict Mr Woodward discussed the recent murders of two young soldiers and a police officer and the attempts to undermine the peace process. "The Pope expressed his concern and deep sorrow at the attacks in March. He has clearly followed events closely and was obviously moved. We discussed the particular pain for the families and he was very concerned for their welfare," said Mr Woodward.
Animal Welfare Targeted
The Stormont Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew has met representatives of the NI Companion Animal Welfare Committee, as part of an on-going review of animal welfare legislation. This was the second time she had met the representatives of key welfare stakeholders which included The Blue Cross and the USPCA. "During the meeting, NICAWC members welcomed the fact that I expect to be in a position shortly after the summer recess, to seek Executive approval to bring forward a new comprehensive Animal Welfare Bill, which will reflect on the concerns of the many stakeholders I have heard from during my review," she said. See: Report Wildlife Crime, Urges Partnership
Derry Interface Trouble Continues
There has been further trouble at a sectarian interface in Londonderry. Tuesday's violence was the third night in a row that rival groups threw stones and other missiles at Nailors Row, close to the Bishop Street-Fountain area, however, there were no reports of any injuries. The police said they were continuing to monitor the situation for the rest of this week.
Live US Link For Schoolkids
A group of lucky schoolchildren will be carrying out research today through a live satellite link, thanks to local charity Employers for Childcare. To celebrate its 10th birthday, the charity has arranged for pupils from Oakwood Integrated Primary School in Derriaghy to use a sophisticated satellite link to interview parents in Kansas City about their experiences of childcare. The schoolchildren will talk to parents who work for Cerner, a healthcare IT company which has set up two daycare centres at its headquarters in Kansas City. Employers for Childcare runs the only comprehensive childcare helpline in Northern Ireland.
Race Ace Laid To Rest
The funeral of the motorcycle racer Mark Young, who was killed in an accident at the North West 200 on Saturday, has taken place. The 23-year-old from Millburn Park, Cookstown, was buried on Wednesday after a service at Molesworth Presbyterian Church.
Lawn Firm Announces Irish Expansion Plans
Londonderry-based Emerald Lawns has revealed plans to expand its turfgrass products across Ireland, with help from Invest NI. The investment in 'growth' by the specialist company, which is based near Eglinton, was announced by Colin Sherrard, Managing Director of Emerald Lawns, and welcomed by Invest NI Managing Director of Clients and Entrepreneurship Ian Murphy. At the heart of the new expansion is a substantial investment in the latest technology including a GPS-equipped Autostack machine for the automatic harvesting of turfgrass.
Minister Views 'Unacceptable' Housing
Northern Ireland's Housing Minister Margaret Ritchie has discussed possible improvements to 'unacceptable' social dwellings in the Parkside area of north Belfast. The area contains 93 dwellings, split between public and private ownership. Most of the houses were built in the early 1900s. Ms Ritchie's department is currently examining proposals to improve the housing conditions for all residents in the community.
(BMcC/JM)
The Secretary of State is in Rome on a brief visit following earlier support for the peace process expressed by the Vatican. Sean Woodward said that the Vatican has continued to show a strong interest in maintaining the peace process and he said he "expressed the hope that the Pope would be able to come to Northern Ireland as part of a visit". Along with Pope Benedict Mr Woodward discussed the recent murders of two young soldiers and a police officer and the attempts to undermine the peace process. "The Pope expressed his concern and deep sorrow at the attacks in March. He has clearly followed events closely and was obviously moved. We discussed the particular pain for the families and he was very concerned for their welfare," said Mr Woodward.
Animal Welfare Targeted
The Stormont Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew has met representatives of the NI Companion Animal Welfare Committee, as part of an on-going review of animal welfare legislation. This was the second time she had met the representatives of key welfare stakeholders which included The Blue Cross and the USPCA. "During the meeting, NICAWC members welcomed the fact that I expect to be in a position shortly after the summer recess, to seek Executive approval to bring forward a new comprehensive Animal Welfare Bill, which will reflect on the concerns of the many stakeholders I have heard from during my review," she said. See: Report Wildlife Crime, Urges Partnership
Derry Interface Trouble Continues
There has been further trouble at a sectarian interface in Londonderry. Tuesday's violence was the third night in a row that rival groups threw stones and other missiles at Nailors Row, close to the Bishop Street-Fountain area, however, there were no reports of any injuries. The police said they were continuing to monitor the situation for the rest of this week.
Live US Link For Schoolkids
A group of lucky schoolchildren will be carrying out research today through a live satellite link, thanks to local charity Employers for Childcare. To celebrate its 10th birthday, the charity has arranged for pupils from Oakwood Integrated Primary School in Derriaghy to use a sophisticated satellite link to interview parents in Kansas City about their experiences of childcare. The schoolchildren will talk to parents who work for Cerner, a healthcare IT company which has set up two daycare centres at its headquarters in Kansas City. Employers for Childcare runs the only comprehensive childcare helpline in Northern Ireland.
Race Ace Laid To Rest
The funeral of the motorcycle racer Mark Young, who was killed in an accident at the North West 200 on Saturday, has taken place. The 23-year-old from Millburn Park, Cookstown, was buried on Wednesday after a service at Molesworth Presbyterian Church.
Lawn Firm Announces Irish Expansion Plans
Londonderry-based Emerald Lawns has revealed plans to expand its turfgrass products across Ireland, with help from Invest NI. The investment in 'growth' by the specialist company, which is based near Eglinton, was announced by Colin Sherrard, Managing Director of Emerald Lawns, and welcomed by Invest NI Managing Director of Clients and Entrepreneurship Ian Murphy. At the heart of the new expansion is a substantial investment in the latest technology including a GPS-equipped Autostack machine for the automatic harvesting of turfgrass.
Minister Views 'Unacceptable' Housing
Northern Ireland's Housing Minister Margaret Ritchie has discussed possible improvements to 'unacceptable' social dwellings in the Parkside area of north Belfast. The area contains 93 dwellings, split between public and private ownership. Most of the houses were built in the early 1900s. Ms Ritchie's department is currently examining proposals to improve the housing conditions for all residents in the community.
(BMcC/JM)
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People Urged To 'Think Very Carefully' Before Gifting Pets This Christmas
As Christmas approaches, the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has partnered with Northern Ireland animal welfare charity, the Ulster Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (USPCA) to appeal to the public to "think very carefully before choosing a pet as a present".
People Urged To 'Think Very Carefully' Before Gifting Pets This Christmas
As Christmas approaches, the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has partnered with Northern Ireland animal welfare charity, the Ulster Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (USPCA) to appeal to the public to "think very carefully before choosing a pet as a present".
14 April 2023
NI Needs New Animal Welfare Legislation – Alliance
New legislation is needed to improve animal welfare and tackle animal cruelty in Northern Ireland, Alliance Party Animal Welfare Spokesperson Patrick Brown MLA has said.
NI Needs New Animal Welfare Legislation – Alliance
New legislation is needed to improve animal welfare and tackle animal cruelty in Northern Ireland, Alliance Party Animal Welfare Spokesperson Patrick Brown MLA has said.
20 October 2023
New Scheme Announced To Improve Veteran Services
A new pilot scheme to improve health and wellbeing services for veterans living in Northern Ireland has been announced by the Office for Veterans' Affairs (OVA).
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A new pilot scheme to improve health and wellbeing services for veterans living in Northern Ireland has been announced by the Office for Veterans' Affairs (OVA).
24 October 2022
Campaign Highlights Illegal Trade In Low Welfare Pups
The public are being urged to be alert in the run-up to Christmas to the illegal trade in low welfare pups. As Christmas approaches, many people in Northern Ireland will be thinking about introducing a new canine friend into their family.
Campaign Highlights Illegal Trade In Low Welfare Pups
The public are being urged to be alert in the run-up to Christmas to the illegal trade in low welfare pups. As Christmas approaches, many people in Northern Ireland will be thinking about introducing a new canine friend into their family.
10 October 2012
Welfare Reform Bill Passed
MLAs have voted in favour of the controversial Welfare Reform Bill. The implementation of the Bill is being seen as the most substantial shake up of the welfare system and of social security benefits for decades.
Welfare Reform Bill Passed
MLAs have voted in favour of the controversial Welfare Reform Bill. The implementation of the Bill is being seen as the most substantial shake up of the welfare system and of social security benefits for decades.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.