Other News In Brief

Sports Facilities Approved For Ballynahinch

Planning permission has been granted for a new 3G synthetic football pitch and allotments to be created in Ballynahinch.

The project, which will also include access paths, lighting and environmental facilities, as well as associated parking, will be located on land between Hillcrest Drive and Loughside Drive.

Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said: "This scheme will provide a new sporting and community facility on an area of existing open space within the centre of the town.

"This planning approval is great news for the local community in Ballynahinch. It provides for a new synthetic football pitch and allotments that will benefit the area for many years to come. It will also provide a jobs boost during the construction phase."

Man Detained Following Incident

A man in his 30s was detained by police following a security alert in L'Derry.

At around 2.30pm on Monday (26 January), a "major security operation" was declared at the scene on John Street. Emergency services attended an apartment block where police said they were concerned for the welfare of a man inside who was said to be in a distressed state. Residents had to be moved from their homes for several hours, with the operation ending at around 8pm with the man being detained. He was later released into medical care.

Police said no weapon was found at the scene.

Chief Inspector Tony Callaghan said: "This was a fluid and very delicate situation and we had real concerns for the man involved as well as the residents.

"We deployed negotiators to the scene, they talked to the man throughout this operation because our priority was to make sure no harm came to anyone. The man gave himself up to police and was arrested, we searched the property and made sure everything was safe.

"The investigation is ongoing, it is live, but we can say that the initial information which led to our response came from the individual involved."

MP Supports Fracking Moratorium

Alliance MP Naomi Long has said she is in support of a moratorium on fracking until further research is carried out into the impact of the process.

The issue of hydraulic fracturing, or 'fracking', was discussed in the House of Commons on Monday (26 January) as part of an amendment to the Infrastructure Bil, but the amendment was defeated by the Government.

Commenting on her decision to support the moratorium, Ms Long said: "There is evidence in some shale beds, the process impacted negatively on local aquifers and polluted water supply. The hydraulic pressure can also lead to land tremors during any extraction process.

"Whilst this may not have much of a significant impact away from major population centres, the Government is looking at licensing extraction under people's homes, which could affect buildings insurance and increase the risk of property damage.

"Whilst gas is a cleaner fuel than coal or oil, it is still a fossil fuel and a finite resource. In comparison to other natural gas sources, the risks of extracting shale gas are also much higher.

"We need to intensify the development and roll-out of renewables which have massive potential and before proceeding with fracking, we need further research as to the potential benefits and risks, which is why I supported the moratorium."

(JP/CD)