Other News In Brief

Dungannon Transformation Underway

Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has visited the site of a £2.3m public realm scheme that will transform Dungannon town centre.

Minister McCausland was taken on a tour of the first phase of works which is currently underway in the Co Tyrone town.

The Market Square, located in the centre of town, is being transformed into a space for civic events and street markets. There will also be improved paving, landscaping and new street furniture.

Welcoming the progress, Mr McCausland said: "This is a significant investment and I know has been long looked forward to. Seeing this work underway will provide a welcome boost for traders and local people and I’m delighted that work is ahead of schedule.

"I understand that the Traders in the town are very excited about the changes taking place and have been very understanding and cooperative while the works are being carried out in the town.

"This work combined with the previous revitalisation schemes funded by my Department will ensure that Dungannon Town Centre remains a vibrant and exciting place to visit and shop in."

Mayor of Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council, Councillor Sean McGuigan, added: "The current project in Dungannon is Phase One of a longer term regeneration plan for the town and is an important milestone in the journey of invigoration for the local area."

Work started on the transformation project in October 2013 and is scheduled for completion in July 2014.

Man Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

A man has been convicted at Strabane Magistrates' Court for claiming benefits he was not entitled to.

Brian McBride, 59, of Artigarvan claimed Jobseekers Allowance totalling £6,143 while failing to declare capital. He was given a three-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and ordered to pay court costs of £28. He is also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.

Disabled Man's Home And Car Attacked

A disabled man's home and car have been damaged in an attack in Larne.

Police said bricks were thrown through a front window of a property in Knockdhu Park at around 11pm on Thursday.

The man, named as Ryan Conway, also had his car set on fire.

Mr Conway, 27, suffers from spina bifida.

The PSNI has said a hate crime is one line of inquiry being investigated.

Mr Conway lives in the house with his two sisters, his mother and his mother's partner, who is from Portugal.

No one was injured in the attack.

60 New Jobs For O'Neills Sportswear

SDLP Councillor Patsy Kelly says the announcement of 60 new jobs at O'Neills Sportswear in Strabane is "brilliant news".

Councillor Kelly said the multi-million pound investment will boost the already established workforce in the town.

Cllr Kelly said: "News of one new job for the town is always good to hear, but to have 60 new jobs is brilliant news.

"O'Neills is an established, well known and respected company with a presence in Strabane for 40 years, so the fact they are actively investing in the town is extremely encouraging.

"It shows a confidence by O'Neills in a dedicated workforce, which is great for staff and for Strabane. I congratulate O’Neills managing director, Kieran Kennedy and wish the firm another 40 years, and more, success in the town."

(JP)