Other News In Brief

First Group Of Syrian Refugees Arrive In NI

The first group of Syrian refugees have arrived in Northern Ireland.

Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has said it is important everyone in Belfast plays a role in welcoming them.

The refugees will be taken to a welcome centre for a short period before being housed in temporary private rental accommodation.

Mr Dickson said: "Eleven of this group are children, including a baby. That shows the impact on every life, no matter how small, of the violence ongoing in Syria and neighbouring countries. The 51 people are high priority refugees, including those who have survived torture, have medical needs or are at severe risk.

"It is therefore even more important every citizen of Belfast plays their role in welcoming these vulnerable people to Belfast and making their arrival a smooth one so they can integrate quickly and easily."

£1m Drainage Scheme In East Belfast Complete

A £1 million drainage scheme in East Belfast has been completed one week ahead of schedule.

The work, on Mersey Street, which started in summer 2014, proved to be difficult and challenging.

Grahame Millar, Project Sponsor said: "Throughout the course of this project, many engineering challenges were encountered. The existing sewer was in a very poor condition so the replacement and repair of this was added to the project to minimise disruption and the need to return to the site at a later date. The designers on the project, Aecom, rose to the challenge by developing a state-of-the-art low-dig form of construction which greatly reduced construction impact on local residents and helped the contractors, Conwells, to complete sections earlier than anticipated. The overall programme of work will greatly improve the sewerage infrastructure in the local area."

Cleaning work is to be carried out in January to ensure the new drainage system is fully operational.

Call For More Co-Operation To Support Innocent Victims Of Terrorism

Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson has called for greater co-operation and sharing of best practice to support all innocent victims and survivors of terrorism.

Mr Nicholson said: "My sympathies go out to all those who have suffered at the hands of terrorists across Europe and beyond.

"Historically, terrorists have not worked in isolation but have shared expertise, know-how and equipment between groups. It is therefore only right that we share best practice in protecting and supporting the needs of innocent victims and survivors of terrorism.

"Innocent victims and survivors have a right to truth and justice – they also have a right not to be re-traumatised by terrorists seeking to glorify their terror.

"We must clearly differentiate between innocent victims and perpetrators – those who sought to maim and murder are not victims. I support the victims, not the victim makers.

"All terrorism is evil, and no political cause can justify such acts."

(CD/LM)