Other News In Brief

Over £600,000 Funding Secured For Public Realm Schemes

Over £600,000 in funding has been allocated for public realm schemes in Antrim and Ballyclare.

The works, in Bridge Street and Rashee Road include the replacement of pavements, installation of new street furniture and upgrade of street lighting.

The improvements, which are expected to begin before the end of this year, will be funded by an investment of almost £483,000 from the Department for Communities and a contribution of £125,700 from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.

Communities Minister Paul Givan said: "I recently visited Ballyclare to launch a new social housing development and was able to see the quality of the works already completed in the town. I am proud that investment from the Department for Communities is contributing significantly to the development of the town and I have no doubt that this new investment will help to further enhance Ballylcare and Antrim respectively."

Alliance Welcomes Public Engagement On Flags And Culture

Alliance South Belfast MLA Paula Bradshaw has welcomed the announcement from the Commission on Flags, Identity, Culture and Tradition that it will undertake a series of public engagements.

Ms Bradshaw said: "We are all aware of how emotive the subjects of flags, identity and culture can be. These have been used, without justification, as an excuse for angry words and even violence.

"If we are to move to a truly shared society we need to respect each other's culture and how that is celebrated.

"The Commission on Flags, Identity, Culture and Tradition has been tasked with developing a new approach to these complex issues, and I welcome their announcement of a series of public meetings. Through listening to people in local communities the Commission will get a better understanding of how important these issues are.

"I would encourage people across the community to engage with the Commission to ensure their views are put forward. This is the opportunity for everyone to be heard, not just those who shout the loudest."

UUP Slams FIFA Over Poppy Display Investigation

The Ulster Unionist Party's Fermanagh and South Tyrone MP, Tom Elliott, has described FIFA's decision to open disciplinary proceedings and investigate the Northern Irish and Welsh Football Associations' display of Poppy Symbols during recent international matches on Armistice Day, as shameful.

Mr Elliott said: "The decision by FIFA to open an investigation into the display of remembrance by the Irish FA and Welsh FA demonstrates a huge degree of insensitivity and just how out of touch they are with reality.

"The display of the Poppy is a non-political and non-religious symbol of remembrance. Remembrance in the United Kingdom commemorates the dead of two World Wars and subsequent conflicts. It is a truly National event and FIFA's actions are nothing less than shameful."

(CD/MH)