Other News In Brief

Minister Flanagan to Attend Series Of Meetings In Belfast

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade will meet with political, community and sports representatives in Belfast today, 18 May.

This is the first visit to Northern Ireland by Minister Flanagan following his re-appointment as Minister. He will undertake a series of meetings NI's deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, Assembly Speaker Robin Newton, Victims Commissioner Judith Thompson, UN Special Rapporteur Pablo de Greiff, Ardoyne community representatives and the IFA President Jim Shaw.

Ahead of his meetings, Minister Flanagan said: "I am meeting with the newly appointed Speaker of the Assembly and with the recently reappointed deputy First Minister in Northern Ireland tomorrow. I look forward to working with them both in the months and years ahead on the important issues facing our island North and South including the full implementation of the Fresh Start Agreement.

"I will hold discussions with the Commissioner for Victims and Survivors and UN Special Rapporteur de Greiff on how we can progress an agreement on establishment of the legacy institutions, which are provided for under the Stormont House Agreement. Following the recent Assembly elections, it is very important that the outstanding issues can be progressed and an agreement reached on legacy issues. This will allow victims and survivors, and society as a whole, to begin the process of fully addressing the legacy of the past. An agreement will also enable political and other institutions in Northern Ireland to move on and give their full attention and resources to current issues. I will also meet with the Chief Commissioner of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, Mr. Les Allamby."

Farrans Construction To Start Work On Watermains Scheme In Newtownards

Farrans Construction has been appointed by NI Water to carry out a watermains improvement scheme in Newtownards.

Work is expected to start on the Loughdoo Road in the middle of May and is to be completed by July 2016.

The works will take place in the Loughdoo Road area between the Deer Park/Rowreagh Road and the Ballygelagh Road.

Access to all properties adjacent to the works will be maintained at all times and diversions will be put in place.

Elsewhere, BSG Civil Engineering is continuing to work on NI Water's £3 million sewerage improvement project in Co Armagh.

The section of work on Mall West, Barrack Street and Scotch Street has now been completed. Work has started along Mall East, progressing towards Gaol Square and is expected to take six weeks to complete.

The second phase will require a south bound lane closure on Mall East and a road closure on Gaol Square with traffic restrictions/diversions. The diversion routes will be signposted however motorists should expect delays.

Man Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

A man has been convicted for claiming benefits he was not entitled to at Lisburn Magistrates Court.

Jamie McDermott claimed Carers Allowance, Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £5,260 while failing to declare employment. He was given a three month prison sentence suspended for 12 months.

He is also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Department for Communities.

(CD)