Other News In Brief

Man Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

A man has been convicted for recently for claiming benefits he was not entitled to at L'Derry Crown Court.

Niall O'Kane, from Limavady, claimed Jobseekers Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £7,019 while failing to declare employment. He was given a six month prison sentence suspended for 18 months.

He is also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.

New Flood Protection Scheme Agreed

A new flood protection scheme has been agreed by the Rivers Agency and people living in Co Tyrone following extensive consultations.

In 2008 and 2011, Beragh experienced significant flooding after torrential rainfall. The completed £1.5million Beragh Flood Alleviation Scheme provides flood protection to 19 properties, at three different locations within the village.

Further works planned by the Beragh Red Knights GAA Club will integrate with works already completed by Rivers Agency and will provide flood protection to the sports pavilion.

Agriculture Minister Michelle O'Neill said: "Rivers Agency has worked very closely with the local community throughout the development of this scheme and also to incorporate changes requested by the local community and GAA club delivering multiple benefits and providing a good example of joint co-operation between DARD and residents."

"The work of my department has always been to reduce the risk to life and damage to property from flooding so it very encouraging to hear about the protection and reassurance this scheme, which included the construction of some 900m of steel sheet pile and reinforced concrete flood walls, gives to the people of Beragh."

Ban On Hunting Dogs Is Long Overdue - Alliance

Alliance East Belfast MLA Chris Lyttle has said a ban on hunting with dogs is long overdue.

Mr Lytlle also said the Agriculture Minister had so far failed to respond to widespread public support for such a ban.

He said: "Animal welfare is a priority for Alliance, which was shown with the Alliance Justice Minister last week, who successfully increased the maximum available custodial sentence and fines available to those found guilty of the most serious animal cruelty crimes.

"We fully support a ban on hunting with dogs, and were one of the few parties to support an attempt to do just that in the Assembly in 2010. Recent independent polls show over 80 per cent of people think such a practice should be illegal."

(CD/LM)