Other NI News In Brief

Omagh Blaze Inquest Halted

The inquest into the deaths of a family of seven in a house fire in Omagh in 2007 has been adjourned until December. The coroner said the adjournment was due to "a number of evidential matters". The case began yesterday and heard how Lorraine McGovern, Arthur McElhill and their five children died in the fire at Lammy Crescent near Omagh two years ago and also that Mr McElhill, who had convictions for sexually assaulting teenage girls, was suspected of starting the fire. See: Omagh Blaze Inquest Reveals Horrors

Girl Hurt In Road Accident

A seven-year-old girl remains in hospital today with a fractured skull after being hit by a van in Draperstown. It happened in the Glenelly Villas area, shortly before 7.30pm on Tuesday night. The collision involved a silver coloured van which also left the schoolgirl with a fractured leg. Her condition is understood to be stable and not life-threatening.

Massereene Suspect Freed

While two men have appeared in court charged with murdering Sappers Patrick Azimkar, 21, and Mark Quinsey, 23, who were shot dead outside Massereene barracks in Antrim, a man arrested in Belfast in connection with the Real IRA murders on Tuesday has now been released without charge. The two soldiers were the first to be murdered in Northern Ireland in 12 years. See: Soldiers' Murders: Man Questioned

Museum Re-Opens

The Ulster Museum - which closed in October 2006 to allow a £17m renovation to take place - is now back in business and is aiming to be one of Northern Ireland's most popular attractions. Although it is opening a few months later than originally planned, staff hope the new-look building will soon be attracting record numbers of visitors. Further details to follow.

'Red Tape' Reduction For Small Projects

Small scale construction projects in Northern Ireland could go ahead without applying for planning permission under new proposals. Environment Minister Edwin Poots said he hopes to extend the range of minor developments that can be carried out without submitting paperwork. The proposals include an extension of permitted development rights ranging from minor householder development to types of industrial, commercial and retail development. Mr Poots said he wanted to make it easier for people to undertake minor building works such as small extensions to their homes, particularly for 'green' improvements. "The proposed measures are aimed at eliminating a range of developments that require planning applications while still protecting the interests of neighbours, the wider community and the environment," he explained.

Banbridge Improvements Complete

Upgrade works have been completed in 50 Banbridge homes. The £215,000 investment by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive is part of a wider maintenance programme and repair service to improve housing stock. Commenting on the Banbridge scheme, Housing Executive District Manager, Aengus Hannaway said: "This investment demonstrates our commitment to ensuring tenants have comfortable homes that are to modern day standards." The kitchens in the homes were totally modernised and upgraded, which Mr Hannaway said makes "a significant difference" to the lives of tenants. Tenants have been able to choose their kitchen units and work tops from a range of finishes."

(BMcC/GK)