Other News In Brief

High Air Pollution Recorded In Parts Of NI 
Moderate To Very High Levels Of Air pollution are being monitored in the Belfast area. Moderate levels are also being recorded in Armagh, Lisburn, Londonderry, Newry and Strabane.
This air pollution is likely to be associated with air coming from Northern Europe, and with the build up of emissions from vehicles and home heating during the current calm weather conditions. There is some uncertainty in the air quality forecast at present; however, it is possible that high levels of air pollution could continue to be seen in urban areas across Northern Ireland while the current weather conditions last. 
During periods of high pollution the symptoms of people with lung or heart disease may worsen. Healthy people are unlikely to experience any ill effects.

Clarke Concerned Over Reduction In Roads Maintenance Budget

Newcastle Alliance Councillor Patrick Clarke has voiced his concern over the possible risk of 900 job losses in the roads maintenance section and deterioration in many of the main roads due to a massive cut in the roads maintenance budget.   

Councillor Patrick Clarke stated: "In February Minister Danny Kennedy secured over £500 million from the Executive for major road infrastructure projects across the North. However he has completely decimated the roads maintenance budget by over 60%.

"Major financial investments in the A5, A2, and A8 routes means the roads maintenance budget over the coming year has been drastically reduced.

"Already a number of main road resurfacing contractors who hold contracts with DRD Roads Service have made plans for staff lay-offs.

"Money previously earmarked for roads maintenance such as resurfacing and potholes have been transferred into new major road infrastructure projects.

"Given that a Roads Service report showed a minimum of £112 million needed to be spent annually to maintain the roads network, Minister Danny Kennedy has now left under £50 million for roads maintenance across the North."

Livelihoods Washed Away On Derry Coastline

Sinn Féin MLA for East Derry, Cathal O hOisin, has stated that those who are literally loosing their livelihoods to the sea at the Bellerena and Magilligan shorelines should be recompensed by the Crown Estate.

Speaking today Mr Ó hOisin stated: "There are numerous farmers and business that are in danger of having their livelyhoods literally washed away at Bellerena and Magilligan by coastal erosion. 56 acres have been lost in recent years and this erosion is continuing unabated.

“The Crown Estate, which claims any land from the sea bed up to they high water mark, now has claim to the land affected with no recompense for local land owners.

“Given the current economic climate the loss of this land has only served to compound the financial difficulties faced by business and farmers on this coast."

(CD/GK)