Other NI News In Brief

Gwyn Is PR Guru

Gwynneth Cockcroft of Belfast-based dcp strategic communication recently hosted the spring meeting of IPREX, one of the world's largest public relations' networks. Representatives from almost 30 global PR companies attended the three-day event. Pictured with Gwynneth are Harri Kammonen (left) of Manifesto Consulting, Finland and Matjaz Klipsteter of Futura PR, Slovenia.

Murder Suspect Charged

The shock murder of Marion Millican, 51, in Portstewart on Friday was recalled in court this morning as a man was charged with shooting her dead. Ms Millican died last Friday when she was shot and fatally wounded as she ate her lunch in the launderette where she worked in Portstewart. Fred McClenaghan, 48, from Broad Street, Magherafelt, appeared at Antrim Magistrates' Court on Tuesday where no application was made for for bail. The vicim's funeral will take place later on Tuesday. See: Man Held As Seaside Shooting Victim Dies

PSNI Seek Help After Fatal Crash

A man has died at the scene of a road traffic colllision at Old Glenshane Road, Claudy, County Londonderry. The road traffic collision, involving a van and the deceased, who was a pedestrian, was reported shortly before 8pm on the evening of Monday 14 March and anyone who witnessed the road traffic collision and hasn't spoken to police should contact police on 0845 600 8000.

SF Slams Nelson Delay

The Sinn Fein MLA for Upper Bann John O'Dowd has raised concerns that the findings from the Rosemary Nelson Inquiry could be delayed until after the May 5th elections. The Secretary of State, Owen Patterson, had initially stated that the report would be released by the end of April 2011. "There are concerns being raised that the inquiry into the murder of prominent human rights solicitor Rosemary Nelson could be delayed until after the elections. My understanding is that Owen Patterson has requested that the Inquiry team retain the report until after the Assembly election. Given that the Assembly has no bearing on this report this appears to be yet another undue delay which is wholly unacceptable. The family of Ms Nelson should be allowed to see this report at the earliest date and it should then be released to the public," he said.

Poots Cleans Up

The Stormont Environment Minister Edwin Poots has welcomed new stronger laws aimed at making Northern Ireland a cleaner and tidier place. Speaking after the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Bill completed its Final Stage in the Assembly Mr Poots said the new legislation will tackle a range of environmental problems which can make the lives of local residents a misery. "This Bill helps councils to tackle those whose actions spoil the appearance of our public spaces, our towns, cities and countryside. It gives more powers to councils to deal with littering, illegal fly-posting, graffiti, dog-fouling, dog control, abandoned vehicles, nuisance parking, noise and nuisance. These are all issues which can affect the quality of life for everybody in Northern Ireland." Referring to the litter problem in particular, the Minister said: "At present, those who litter by, for example, dropping chewing-gum, cigarette butts, wrapping paper or drinks containers face on-the-spot fines of £50. This will go up to £75 and councils will also be able to set local rates of fines. The new stronger measures will enable councils to tackle head on those people who think it is alright to litter our environment."

Firm Fined Over Waste

DFM Developments of Mount Charles, Belfast, was this week fined £500 plus £38 court costs at Dungannon Magistrates' Court for a breach of waste management legislation. Northern Ireland Environment Agency officials investigated a site adjacent to Legane Road, Aughnacloy, owned by DFM Developments, on 20 October 2009 where a quantity of construction and demolition material was deposited. Further visits in January and May 2010 confirmed the waste was still on site. Fifty tonnes of mixed waste was identified on site together with evidence of burning. The site did not have a waste management licence or an exemption to deposit or store controlled waste.

Fostering Canadian Links

The NI Tourism Minister Arlene Foster promoted Northern Ireland tourism to the Canadian travel trade and media in Toronto this week. Speaking at a Tourism Ireland-hosted business breakfast as part of her four-day visit to promote tourism, trade and investment in Canada the DUP Minister said: "The combination of the strong Canadian dollar, which is at a 25-year high against Sterling, low costs and great value air fares, means there has never been a better time to experience Northern Ireland. Interest by Canadian outbound travellers has never been higher in visiting Northern Ireland. Approximately 2.5 million Canadians claim Ulster heritage. This is a huge audience that Tourism Ireland is targeting through an extensive promotional programme across Canada," she said.

(BMcC/KMcA)