Other NI News In Brief

Tourism Boosted

The NI Tourism Minister Arlene Foster has highlighted the important part 'unique experiences' play in boosting tourism. The Minister returned to her Fermanagh roots this week to officially open the Men's Way holiday apartment in the National Trust’' Florence Court estate in Co Fermanagh. The apartment, overlooking the laundry courtyard, was the accommodation for male servants in the 18th century. "Bringing properties such as the Men's Way apartment back to life provides visitors with a unique, memorable experience," she said. Pictured enjoying a cuppa in the newly restored apartment are, from left: Hilary McGrady, National Trust Director for Northern Ireland, Tourism Minister Arlene Foster, and brothers Reggie and Ronnie Price, whose family were the last to live in Men's Way.

More Police On Streets

The number of officers working in local communities is to go up by 600 this year, the NI Policing Board has said. The target has been set as part of a new three-year policing plan which aims to improve policing in the community and is to improve the police's public presence and so increase the amount of crime reported by the public.

Beating Bowel Cancer

The Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) is marking bowel cancer awareness month in April by teaming up with Lidl Northern Ireland to encourage people to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables every day. The rates of bowel cancer in NI are similar to the incidence of breast cancer and every year around 1,000 people will be newly diagnosed with the disease with approximately 430 deaths. Gerry McElwee, Head of Cancer Prevention, UCF said: "One of the simplest steps to help reduce your risk of bowel cancer is to eat more fruit and vegetables. There is evidence that diets which include plenty of fruit, vegetables and fibre and that limit red and processed meats and saturated fats help reduce the risk of bowel cancer," noting that Lidl Northern Ireland, is supporting the UCF campaign message that prevention is key by making it easier for people to eat their five portions of fruit and vegetables.

Attack Dog Owner Fined

A dog owner has been fined at Belfast Magistrates Court this week after his dog attacked a woman. Piotr Nawiesniak, from Finaghy Road North, was fined £125 and ordered to pay costs of £66 after his Labrador dog attacked a neighbour on July 27, 2009. The judge also issued a confinement order meaning the dog has to be kept on a lead and muzzled at all times whilst out in public. A council spokeswoman said they adopt "an extremely robust approach to the investigation and prosecution, where appropriate, of each and every reported dog attack as it is our commitment to protect the health and safety of the public".

SF Oppose Incinerator

Sinn Féin MLA for South Antrim, Mitchel McLaughlin has voiced disappointment at a report produced about the Rose Energy proposal for an incinerator in Glenavy. "I am disappointed at the report provided by the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) into the proposed construction of a chicken waste incinerator in Glenavy," he said, noting that he would challenge AFBI to "clarify whether or not this report was based on AFBI's own research or on data that was provided by the proposers of the incinerator?" He said: "I would also point out that it would appear that there has been no focus on alternative methods of disposal of this waste."

999 Vehicles Renewed

The Stormont Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has unveiled brand new vehicles for the Ambulance Service and the Fire and Rescue Service. Over 100 new vehicles have now been purchased for both services, as a result of funding announced by the Health Minister in Autumn 2008. "Following a £26m investment in vehicles and equipment, I welcome the delivery of these 14 brand new, modern fire appliances, which are now located at various locations across Northern Ireland."

Seven Fined For On-Street Booze

Seven people have been fined at Belfast Magistrates Court for drinking alcohol in a public place. Jonathan McGettigan, from Hawthorn View in west Belfast, was fined £80 on account of two charges. Stephen McCoy, from Rockmore Road in the west of the city, was fined £50 and ordered to pay costs of £66 after he was detected drinking alcohol at Cavendish Street on November 21, last. Robert Mulhern, from Whiterock Crescent, was fined £50 and ordered to pay costs of £66 after he was detected drinking alcohol at Westrock Drive on 22 November and Maurice Finn, from Beechmount Grove, was fined £60 and ordered to pay costs of £66 after he was detected drinking alcohol at Beechmount Crescent on November 20th while Stephen Spears, from Norglen Road, was fined £50 and ordered to pay costs of £66 after he was detected drinking alcohol at Cavendish Street on November 22nd and James McWilliams, from Duncairn Gardens in the north of the city, was fined £50 after he was detected drinking alcohol at Clifton Park Avenue on November 11, 2009. He was also ordered to pay costs of £66. Darren Maxwell, from Forthriver Crescent, was fined £50 and ordered to pay costs of £66 after he was detected drinking alcohol at Shankill Road on October 30th.

(BMcC/GK)