Other News In Brief

Woman Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

A woman has been convicted for claiming benefits she was not entitled to at Dungannon Magistrates' Court.

Fiona McGrath claimed Jobseeker's Allowance totalling £4,799 while failing to declare employment. She was given a two month prison sentence, suspended for two years.

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

Concerns Raised Over Cost Of New Headquarters In Ballykelly

The Ulster Unionist Party has raised serious concerns over the cost of relocating the former Department of Agriculture and Regional Development (DARD) headquarters to Ballykelly in Limavady.

Ulster Unionist Agriculture Spokesperson, Harold McKee MLA, is calling on the Agricultural Minister Michelle O'Neill to consider revisiting the issue to ensure value for money exists and that other possible locations, such as the Driver and Vehicle Agency offices in Coleraine, are considered.

JH Turkington and Sons was awarded a £12 million contract to develop the new headquarters.

Mr McKee said: "It is disappointing that the previous two Agriculture Ministers used their important role to pursue their own flawed political agenda.

"An example is the proposed relocation of the old DARD headquarters to Ballykelly, despite widespread concerns. Costs for the project are growing significantly, with the recent estimates now in excess of £41 million, with over £10 million in this year's Budget alone.

"In addition, value for money for the project has never been demonstrated, and officials from several Departments have expressed deep concern. Even the former Finance Minister Sammy Wilson refused to sign off on the project, not least, I suspect, because only an outline business case was ever produced. In fact, the only option considered was to relocate to Ballykelly.

"If the costs of the project cannot be contained, it will be farmers and rural communities who will be left paying the price for years to come."

Farmers Urged To Take Up CAFRE Agricultural Business Operations Course

Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Michelle McIlveen has sent out a reminder that the closing date for the Level II Agricultural Business Operations course at CAFRE is approaching.

Minister McIlveen said: "I strongly encourage anyone who plans to attend this Level II training course in autumn 2016 to apply before the closing date of 4pm on Thursday 07 July 2016. This is a very useful and important course and CAFRE expects classes to fill quickly."

The classes will begin in early October and run weekly for 20 weeks.

(CD/JP)