Other News In Brief

Seagate Celebrates 20th Anniversary

SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan has today congratulated management and staff from Seagate Technology in L'Derry as the company celebrates the 20th anniversary of their arrival in the city.

Mr Durkan said: "I am delighted to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Seagate's arrival in the city.

"I can recall working with John Hume when he first brought Seagate Executives to Derry and mobilised the case for their significant investment here.

"The Seagate plant in Derry has served the North West economy well, but also serves Seagate’s global market powerfully.

"It is clear from their International Executives that the Derry operation is a major asset to them not just in terms of productivity and quality but also in terms of product enhancement and development which is so crucial in their sector."

DUP Backs IFA's Football For All

DUP MLA Alastair Ross attended the IFA’s Football for All Seminar yesterday at Titanic Belfast. Presentations ranged from cross-community football schemes to the NI Street League for those who are homeless.

Mr Ross said: "One of the key areas where sport impacts positively on lives is the emphasis on maintaining health.  Today, we heard reports of the schemes reduction in addiction, anti-social behaviour and isolation, coupled with increasing participation rates amongst many of the most difficult to reach sectors of our society, especially young men.

"It is encouraging to hear the progress that has been made and to see the large number of interested parties, including foundations, grassroots organisations and officials of government. The point was clearly made that the DUP support the ethos of football for all and that we are committed to assisting projects access support on the basis that they add value to the community."

Ulster Canal To Be Restored

Environment Minister Alex Attwood has announced planning permission to restore part of the historic Ulster Canal that has not been used since 1929.

The original Ulster Canal was completed in 1841 and linked the Erne System to Lough Neagh with a navigation route of 93kms. It was last used for trading boats in 1929 and officially closed two years later.

The application is to restore 14kms of the navigational route in total - 5.5kms of river navigation from Quivvy Lough to Gortnacarrow and 8.5kms of canal from Gortnacarrow to Clones.

This will involve construction of the existing canal route and tow paths for public access on both banks. New road bridges are to be constructed at Derrykerrib, Wattle Bridge, Gortnacarrow and Clonfad/Munilly with three farm accommodation bridges.

The plan is to restore two existing canal bridges and a double lock at Gortnacarrow that will facilitate a rise from the River Finn to the canal section. A mooring of 170metres with 32 car parking spaces and public toilets will be provided at Gortnacarrow. A picnic area and a further 20 parking spaces will be provided at the new bridge at Clonfad/Munilly.

(CD)