Other NI News In Brief

Bank Backs Ibis

The Northern Bank has recently provided hotel group, Andras House, with £4.3m in finance towards the development of a new 124 bedroom hotel - Ibis Belfast City Centre, located on the corner of Castle Street and King Street. The announcement follows the publication of the latest Quarterly Sectoral Forecasts report by Northern Bank, which indicates that Northern Ireland's hospitality sector will grow by 1.2% in the last quarter of 2009. Pictured at the recent opening of Ibis Belfast City Centre are (left to right) Kevin Kingston, Northern Bank General Manager for Corporate and Markets, with NI Economy Minister Arlene Foster, Lord Rana of Andras House and Brian Shane, Northern Bank Corporate Banking Manager.

Portrush Blaze Alert

Firefighters have been tackling an overnight blaze at a disused building in Portrush at the old Metropole on the Crocknamack Road. The 2am blaze has been brought under control, but the building was still being damped down and fire appliances remained at the scene on Thursday morning. Metropole Avenue was expected to be closed for up to 12 hours while the building is examined.

Humble Apology As Bishop Resigns

The Bishop of Limerick Donal Murray has today "humbly apologised" to victims of child sex abuse by members of the clergy just as the Vatican announced his resignation had been accepted by Pope Benedict XVI. After weeks of speculation and concerns over the tenability of his position, the Vatican said today that the Pope had accepted his resignation as bishop of Limerick. Speaking at Mass at St John's Cathedral in Limerick this afternoon, Bishop Murray said: "I humbly apologise once again to all who were abused as little children. To all survivors of abuse I repeat that my primary concern is to assist in every way that I can, on their journey towards finding closure and serenity."

Parade Bosses Reappointed

NIO Secretary of State, Shaun Woodward has announced his intention to reappoint Parades Commissioners for a further 12 months. "The Parades Commission has played, and continues to play, an important role in managing parading. The St Andrew's Agreement proposed the need for a review of parading with a view to developing an agreed long-term strategy and the government remains committed to working with the parties to find a way of dealing with contentious parades and to ensure that oversight arrangements are appropriate to current circumstances," he said yesterday, noting that he is ready to implement changes to arrangements, including any necessary legislation, where the parties mutually agree a way forward. "Until then the Parades Commission will remain in place."

Young Getting Less Benefit

Foyle Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson has strongly criticised NI Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie for her "defence of a benefits system which blatantly discriminates against young people". Ms. Anderson was speaking after questioning the Minister on the fact that different rates of key benefits are paid to people under the age of 25. "I believe it is wrong and blatant discrimination that young people are being pushed into poverty and homelessness for no other reason than their age," Ms. Anderson commented, this week.

Leisure Facilities Failing Co Down

Existing, council-owned leisure and community facilities in Ballynahinch and Newcastle no longer meet the requirements of their respective local areas, it has been announced. Down District Council believes the buildings need to be replaced with facilities of a higher standard, which offer a "wider range of services". The council have announced the findings after carrying out a feasibility study in 2008. The study recognised the need for a new community centre in Saintfield. The most suitable sites for replacement and new facilities in these three towns have been identified. Down District Council went on to say that it plans to carry out a "market sounding exercise" before deciding how best to procure and deliver these facilities and services.

Offshore Energy 'Closer'

Northern Ireland's offshore renewable energy potential has moved another step closer to realisation, according to NI Energy Minister, Arlene Foster. Minister Foster made the claim as she announced the launch of the draft DETI Strategic Offshore Renewable Energy Action Plan 2009-2020 and its associated Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). A SEA assesses environmental issues that must be taken into early consideration when developing plans and programmes, with a view to promoting sustainable development. "Increasing renewables is imperative for Northern Ireland," said Minister Foster.

Family Housing For Enniskillen

Northern Ireland Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie was on hand this week to open seven new family homes on the outskirts of Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh. The two and three bedroom social houses, provided by Ulidia Housing Association, have been built to Eco Homes standard and incorporate "the very latest in energy saving technology". The homes, located at Sycamore Drive in the town, also have Secured by Design and Lifetime Homes accreditation.

(BMcC/KMcA)