Other News In Brief

Legal Action Dropped Against Ramada Hotel

The BBC has reported that legal action regarding a decision to appoint administrators to the Ramada Hotel in Portrush, has been dropped.

Administrators will now continue to operate the hotel, where around 50 staff are employed.

The hotel was formerly run as part of the Kennedy Group, but when it was unable to repay £48m of bank loans back, NAMA appointed administrators.

The Kennedy Group subsequently looked to challenge the move, but RSM McClure Watters – who were appointed to the hotel – said that after legal discussions, it was agreed that the appointment was valid.

Man, 70, Charged With Firearms Offences

The PSNI have welcomed the sentences imposed by Belfast Crown Court on a 70-year-old man for firearms and explosives offences.

Thomas Maguire, of Suffolk Drive, west Belfast, was arrested in August 2011 when police stopped his car following a high speed chase.

Hidden inside the panel of the Mondeo car, officers found three revolvers, grenades, a semi-automatic firearm and 100 rounds of ammunition.

Today, 27 June, Mr Maguire was sentenced to a custodial sentence of six and a half years. Three years, three months will be spent in prison and the remainder on licence.

Detectives from the serious crime branch had identified Maguire from a fingerprint found on part of a firearm which had been recovered from a workshop in Newry in 2010.

The workshop was a large-scale munitions factory thought to have been used for manufacturing and modifying component parts for firearms since 2008 on behalf of republican dissidents.

Detective Superintendent Glenn Wright, from Serious Crime Branch, said: "Police will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to bring before the courts all those involved in terrorist-linked offences, regardless of age.

"We will pursue every strand of evidence to ensure we maximise all investigative and forensic opportunities."

Estate Bonfire To Be Moved

A bonfire built on a Ballyduff housing estate is to be taken down and moved.

The news comes after local residents' voiced their concerns over the safety of the bonfire which towered over a number of homes.

Earlier, the Housing Executive also expressed safety concerns about the bonfire.

In a report from the authority, is said firefighters may "spray foam on properties in the danger area", but added that there was a possibility that the equipment needed to spray the foam might not be available on the night of the bonfire, if there were other emergencies.

The tower, constructed mainly of wooden pallets, was built on a large green area within the housing estate and is part of the annual 12th July celebrations.

(JP/CD)