Other News In Brief

Unionists Meet Senior Police Officers

A delegation of unionist councillors from the south Belfast area have met with senior police officers to discuss policing of the Junior Orange parade on Easter Tuesday.

The delegation included Alderman Christopher Stalford, Councillor Jeffrey Dudgeon and Councillor Graham Craig. The PSNI was represented by Chief Inspector Robert Murdie and Superintendent Darrin Jones.

In a joint statement the unionist councillors said: "The events of recent days have sent a deep shudder of concern throughout the wider unionist community, not only in South Belfast but beyond. Serious questions must be answered.

"We highlighted the concerns expressed to us by our constituents about the contrasting approaches taken in recent public order situations. We made clear to the representatives of the PSNI that pro-active efforts will need to be made to restore confidence in policing to the highest levels: something that we all would like to see.

"The PSNI representatives acknowledged the need to focus efforts in restoring confidence."

Next Stage Of A5 Road Scheme To Start In Autumn 2016

The next stage of the A5 road scheme in Northern Ireland is to begin in the autumn, it has been confirmed.

Sinn Féin MLA Declan McAleer said the Regional Development Minister confirmed the public inquiry process into the development is being planned for autumn 2016.

Following a successful completion of that process, a decision will be made on the progression to the construction stage.

He said: "Given that the formal consultation is scheduled to end on April 4th it is important that there is as little delay as possible between the stages of the process so that work on the ground can start as soon as possible.

"The A5 dual carriageway is essential for the development of the north west of Ireland."

Planning Consultants Appointed For Barracks In Bellymena

The Paul Hogarth Company has been appointed as planning consultants for the development of St Patrick's Barracks in Ballymena.

The consultants will produce a development plan for the site showing the concept for the whole site as well as potential sites that could be developed by individual stakeholders. There will be a transport assessment, looking at how road, river, cycle paths and footways can access and integrate the site with the town and surrounding environment.

A key part of the design will be participation from the local community and the first event is planned for mid April. Residents, business owners, community groups and anyone with an interest will be invited to tour the site and to contribute their requests, opinions and expectations to help shape its future development.

(CD)