30/09/2016

Other News In Brief

Integrated Primary School In Newtownards Officially Opens

Loughries Integrated Primary school in Newtownards, Co Down, has officially opened.

The school opened as an integrated school on 01 September 2016 and is the first in the Newtownards area to go through the transformation process.

Education Minister Peter Weir said: "I welcome the opportunity to visit Loughries today to help the school celebrate their move to integrated status. One of the most rewarding elements of my job is visiting schools and meeting pupils and staff and the talented children at Loughries have certainly entertained me today."

Hagan Homes Completes Development In Carrickfergus

Hagan Homes in Co Antrim has completed the development of 24 new homes in Carrickfergus.

Construction work at the 0.46-acre development of one- and two-bedroom apartments started in November 2015. The scheme was recently acquired by Habinteg Housing Association for £2.3million.

Jamesy Hagan, Managing Director at Hagan Homes, said: "The previous owners of the Scotch Quarter site in Carrickfergus had started construction in 2008 but unfortunately had to suspend all development due to the property crash. This meant that the site became an eyesore in a prominent location in the town.

"When Hagan Homes acquired the site and started work on it in 2015 the local community reacted positively. They recognised that Hagan Homes builds affordable, quality, stylish homes and that we achieve this by appointing award-winning architects, interior designers and craftspeople."

The main contractor for the Scotch Quarter development was Warrenpoint based Eden Contractors Limited.

Call For Party Leaders To Discuss Nama Scandal

Alliance Leader David Ford MLA has said he is disappointed no other party leaders have responded to his request for a meeting to discuss the best way forward on the Nama scandal.

Mr Ford wrote to the leaders of Stormont's other main parties two weeks ago urging an independent investigation into allegations of corruption around the organisation's local portfolio. His letter asked the other leaders to meet and discuss the most appropriate way to deal with the series of allegations around the matter.

"The ongoing Nama scandal and allegations relating to it is one of the biggest blows to public confidence in local politics," he said.

"Therefore it is disappointing no other leaders have responded yet to my request to meet and discuss the matter and how we can best deal with it. I believe only a fully independent investigation, above party politicking, can resolve the issue fully."

(CD)




Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

02 March 2018
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
17 May 2018
Hundreds Of New Homes To Be Developed In Co Down
Approximately 50 construction jobs are to be created as part of a £50million project to develop 900 new homes in Comber, Co Down. Northern Ireland homebuilders Hagan Homes has started construction work on the first phase of the 'Enler Village' site on the Newtownards Road, which includes the development of 17 new homes.
19 April 2018
Construction Work Starts On £3.5m Development In East Belfast
Construction work has started on 28 new homes in the Dundonald area of east Belfast. Hagan Homes is developing the new houses in the Comber Road area and the scheme is expected to be completed by Spring 2019. 50 construction jobs are to be created and Phase 1 of the development is scheduled for completion later this year.
22 January 2013
Heavy Snow Closes Over 80 Schools
Over 80 schools across Northern Ireland have been closed as the heavy snow continues to cause disruption on Tuesday morning. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning, as the snow is continuing to affect many roads. Areas which have been majorly disrupted include Lisburn, Castlereagh and Carryduff.
20 September 2007
Minister Visits Dungannon 'Warm Homes Scheme'
Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has visited a number of Department supported projects in Dungannon. Following a visit to EAGA, the company that manages the Department for Social Development’s Warm Homes Scheme, the Minister visited Dungannon West Renewal's development at Ballysaggart Business Park.