Other NI News In Brief

Power Hike Condemned

The Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIIRTA) has expressed major concern about today's announcement by Power NI of a 20% electricity hike for both domestic and small business customers. Glyn Roberts NIIRTA Chief Executive, who met with senior officials from Power NI yesterday, said: "This is very bad news for both domestic and small business customers of Power NI that their bills are to rise by 19%. The timing of this hike could not have came at a worse time for consumers and independent retailers," adding, "For small traders this hike is a double blow. Hard working families will face an even greater impact on their disposable incomes and could well reduce spending with local retailers as a result." For full story, see: Powerful Rise In Electricity Bills Condemned

Frauds Face Penalty

Three people were convicted at Belfast Magistrates Court on Tuesday for claiming benefits they were not entitled to. James Porter (56) of Ardenvohr Street, Belfast was given 75 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £75 for failing to declare employment while claiming Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £12,796. Clarke Wallace (36) of Merston Gardens, Belfast was fined £350 and ordered to pay court costs of £37 for failing to declare employment while claiming Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £536 and Joanne Easthrope (37) of Richhill Park, Belfast was fined £400 and ordered to pay court costs of £37 for failing to declare her partner's employment while claiming Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £30,382. All are also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.

McCausland In Glengormley

The NI Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has visited Glengormley to listen at first hand to the issues facing local traders in the area. They discussed the issues and the opportunities that could lead to improving their businesses and offering for local people. The DUP Minister said: "I have seen at first hand that Glengormley faces very harsh trading conditions. It is important that we can take effective action together with local traders and the private sector to maximise those opportunities to increase and enhance the vibrancy of our towns. My Department, in conjunction with Newtownabbey Borough Council, recently launched a regeneration strategy for this area, which identified actions to improve the current situation, both in the short to medium term and in the long-term. I want to emphasise my commitment to that strategy and encourage all parties to work constructively together to ensure its effective implementation," he said. During the visit Minister McCausland was met by Alderman Billy Webb, the Mayor of Newtownabbey: "The Council is committed to working with the statutory and private sectors to deliver the Newtownabbey Regeneration Strategy in both Glengormley and Ballyclare to ensure that we maintain vitality in our town centres," said the Alliance politician.

Teen Dies In Donegal Apartment Fall

A 17-year-old boy has been killed after falling from the roof of an apartment building in Co Donegal. The teenager, who is understood to be from Santry in Dublin, is believed to have been staying with a group of friends at the apartment on Station Road in Bundoran. They returned home around 2.30am this morning but found the door of the apartment locked. It is believed that the youth slipped and fell as he attempted to access an open window. He was pronounced dead at the scene and Gardaí have launched an investigation.

Two Die In Kilkenny Crash

Two people have been killed in a road traffic collision in Kilkenny. The incident happened around 6.45pm on Wednesday at Troyswood on the Kilkenny to Freshford Road. Two cars were involved in the crash. Three people were in the first car - a 65-year-old man, who was pronounced dead at the scene; a 61-year-old female who was pronounced dead at St Luke's Hospital and another woman who was taken to St Luke's for treatment. Two people in the other vehicle were also taken to St Luke's for treatment. The couple who died have been named as Tommy and Angela Kenneally of Templemore, Co Tipperary.

(BMcC/GK)