Other News In Brief

Call For Funding For Physical Education Programme In Schools

Alliance MLA Chris Lyttle has supported calls for funding for an educational awareness and physical education programme in schools.

Mr Lyttle was speaking ahead of an Assembly debate on encouraging healthier lifestyles for school children.

He said: "The Department of Education's own guidance recommends children should participate in a minimum of 2 hours' physical activity each week. It is startling that the 2015 School Omnibus Survey showed that on average only 4% of primary pupils in schools surveyed were provided with 2 hours or more physical activity.

"Increased funding and support for educational awareness and physical education is therefore vital to improving the long term health of our children and ease pressure on the health service.

"We regularly receive advice about healthy eating and general wellbeing. By introducing children to regular exercise at an early age we give them the foundation for a healthy life. Schools are therefore ideally placed to introduce children to an active lifestyle."

Work To Start On £142,000 Road Resurfacing Project

Work on a £142,000 road resurfacing project on the A26 Seacon Road to Portrush Road Roundabout is to start on Monday, 17 October.

The 650-metre scheme at Seacon Road is expected to be completed by Friday, 21 October.

Motorists are being urged to expect delays and diversions will be put in place.

Infrastructure Minister Meets China Investment Corporation In Beijing

Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard has met with the China Investment Corporation in Beijing, in the first of a series of meetings to discuss investment and infrastructure opportunities in the north.

The Minister raised a number of specific infrastructure projects that offer potential investment opportunities.

Minister Hazzard said: "China is the largest manufacturing economy and exporter of goods and the world's fastest growing consumer market.

"I had a very useful meeting with the President of the China Investment Corporation Tu Guangshao, who expressed an interest in learning more about investment opportunities in the north and I invited him and his company to visit in the future.

"There is much to be learned from China and over the next few days I will be meeting a range of organisations to gain a better understanding of the role of transport in facilitating and supporting economic growth across the country and how this success could be replicated for our local economy."

(CD/LM)