Other News In Brief

Cookstown Firm Scoops Contract In Kuwait

Cookstown firm CDE Global has scooped a contract in Kuwait.

Enterprise Minister Jonathan Bell said: "This is a significant order to supply CDE’s M4500 modular sand washing plant to Associated Construction Company (ASCO) in Kuwait. CDE Global is an impressive ambassador for Northern Ireland's industry excellence and is now the leading provider of wet-processing equipment.

"In 2014, the company announced a £3million investment to roll out an ambitious export strategy with the support of Invest Northern Ireland and during this visit I have seen first-hand the results of this strategy. CDE Global has also recently been shortlisted as a finalist in the prestigious Bauma 2016 Innovation Award in Munich in April. I wish them the best of luck and hope they bring back another award that Northern Ireland can be proud of."

Invest Northern Ireland has provided CDE Global with in-market support which included supporting it with introductions across the region and providing access to a wide range of research and analysis on the cement and concrete industry.

Farmer Fined For Pollution Offence

A farmer from Coagh in Co Tyrone has been fined for a pollution offence at Dungannon Magistrates' Court.

Mr Trevor Irwin was fined £2,000 plus Court Costs and a £15 Offenders Levy for making a polluting discharge to a waterway.

On 8 July 2014, Water Quality Inspectors, acting on behalf of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), inspected the Aghaveagh Stream at Drumard Road and observed the waterway to be grey/brown in colour. The Inspectors discovered a dark coloured liquid discharging to the waterway.

The pollution was caused when tanks on the farm overflowed, allowing effluent to enter the storm drainage system before making its way to the waterway. More than 600 metres was affected by this polluting discharge. The source of the pollution was traced to farm premises owned by Mr Trevor Irwin.

A sample taken at the time of the incident confirmed that the discharges contained poisonous, noxious or polluting matter which was potentially harmful to fish life in the receiving waterway.

Two People Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

Two people have been convicted for claiming benefits they were not entitled to at Antrim Magistrates' Court.

Maura Lavery claimed Income Support, Carers Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £3,659 while failing to declare employment. She was given a four month prison sentence suspended for two years and ordered to pay court costs of £37.

Samuel Stewart claimed Jobseekers Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £2,725 while failing to declare employment. He was given 60 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £52.

Both are also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.

(CD/MH)