Other News In Brief

Minister Michelle O’Neill Minister Disappointed With Fish Quota Stocks

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Michelle O'Neill said she is disappointed with proposed European Commission fish quotas for two of our main fish stocks.

Minister O'Neill said: "On Thursday 26 November, the European Commission finally made proposals for fish stocks that are subject to the fish landing obligation in 2016. These included proposals for the prawn stock around Ireland and Irish Sea haddock. Whist I appreciate the complexity of trying to estimate additional quota to account for extra fish that will have to be landed next year under the landing obligation, I am of the view that the Commission has got the basic quotas wrong for both these stocks.

"Clearly this December’s Fisheries Council is going to be very difficult and highly complicated given that the proposals for many stocks have been announced a month later than usual, and Member States will want to fully ascertain how discard quota uplifts have been calculated."

Funding Secured To Improve Ballycastle And Coleraine Towns

Over £230,000 funding has been secured to improve the towns of Ballycastle and Coleraine in Northern Ireland.

The funding will be used to help support existing traders, promote the towns as shopping destinations, and improve the attractiveness of shop frontages.

Improvements will include:

• Painting shop frontages

• Replacement of signage

• Replacement of rainwater goods

• Promotion and marketing events

The Ballycastle Revitalisation Scheme will target properties in the Diamond, Ann Street and commercial properties along part of Quay Road, making it more appealing to businesses and to those who live in and visit the town.

The Coleraine Revitalisation Scheme will target properties in and around the train and bus station at Railway Place and along part of Railway Road. This is a key area for improvement and will create a good first impression for those who travel to the town by public transport.

Work on both schemes is expected to be completed by 31, March 2016.

Novel Food Rules Become Law

Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson has welcomed the adoption of his novel foods report into law this week.

The new rules which were steered through the European Parliament by Mr Nicholson will allow so-called novel foods, which for example include specialist foods from countries outside the EU, to be placed on the market with less delay and red tape.

Mr Nicholson said: "This updated regulation is good for our agri-food industry and food lovers alike. New foods are making a major impact in the market, including for example 'chia' seeds that have recently become popular in the health foods market.

"There is literally a world of opportunity for food companies but for too long, cumbersome Brussels bureaucracy and authorisation processes have discouraged companies from making the right investments.

"This is the first time the regulation has been updated since 1997. I am glad that as author of the European Parliament's proposals we were able to separate issues which have delayed the new regulation into separate legislation."

(CD/LM)