Other NI News In Brief

Lidl Backs UCF

Marking Breast Cancer Awareness month, Lizzie Lumsden from Lidl Northern Ireland GmbH joins Joyce Savage, Head of Appeals and Marketing, Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) to announce a special fruit and vegetable promotion which will run from Monday 4th to Sunday 10th October. Some 10% of all sales of fruit and vegetables over £10 in all Lidl Northern Ireland stores will be donated to the Ulster Cancer Foundation's Think Pink! breast cancer awareness appeal - supporting local women and their families who have been affected by breast cancer. This special promotion is one of a number of fundraising events planned by the discount retailer.

999 Crash Drama

Two paramedic crew on board an overturned emergency ambulance have escaped injury after it ended up on its side on a grass verge after an accident with a council recycling van. They collided on the main Londonderry to Belfast Road at the junction of the Glenshane Road and Golf Road on Wednesday morning. Two employees of Derry City Council were in the other vehicle, but were also not injured.

Parades Body Stays

It has been confirmed that the current Parades Commission will remain for the foreseeable future. The Minister of State for Northern Ireland, Hugo Swire, said it was "disappointing" there was no agreement yet on the proposals "for a new framework for parading". The news comes after the Orange Order again rejected the proposed legislation to deal with contentious parades as agreed by the DUP's Peter Robinson and Sinn Fein representatives. He said its refusal to reconsider its decision meant the Parades Bill had to be delayed. Mr Swire said on Tuesday there was "no alternative but to press on with making new appointments to the Parades Commission in time for next year's marching season". See: Orangemen Again Reject Parading Bill

Maskey Slams Poots

South Belfast Sinn Fein MLA Alex Maskey has criticised the decision by the Stormont Environment Minister Edwin Poots not to enforce planning regulations regarding George Belfast City Airport. He said that Mr Poots would "not initiate legal action regarding the breach of seats for sale restriction". Alex Maskey said: "The failure to enforce Planning regulations has become the bane of many people's lives. There has already been much controversy around the airport, added to by the number of late night flights," an issue, he said, "is causing great distress to many residents in South Belfast".

Pub Entertainment

A city centre pub has been fined £500 for providing entertainment without a licence. Jermon Developments, owners of Filthy McNasty's on the Dublin Road, Belfast, (formerly Dempseys/Elbow) was also ordered to pay court costs of £69 for the offence, which occurred on May 22, 2010. The breach was discovered by officers from Belfast City Council who were called to investigate a complaint about noise coming from the premises. The prosecution was brought by Belfast City Council.

Economic Focus

The Economic Advisory Group (EAG) has this week met with NI Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster to set out its work programme for the months ahead. The proposed work programme is to focus on Innovation and R&D, Skills, Entrepreneurship, Infrastructure and Planning.

Waste Incinerator

The DUP North Down MLA, Peter Weir, has questioned Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew's stance on the Rose Energy plant at Glenavy. He said that Rose Energy has submitted a project proposal to build an energy plant that will convert agricultural biomass into electricity. He said that while the Executive indicated its support in principle for the project, Mr Weir questioned where Ms Gildernew stands after her party submitted a motion on the issue calling for a full public inquiry only to withdraw it at the last opportunity.

(BMcC/KMcA)