Other News In Brief

£11 Million Investment Announced For Newry, Mourne and Down

An £11 million rural investment scheme for Newry, Mourne and Down has been announced by Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Michelle McIlveen.

The Mourne, Gullion and Lecale Rural Development Partnership will deliver direct grant aid to projects in the area across a range of schemes, with the overall aim of stimulating the economy and improving the quality of life for residents.

Speaking as she attended a special launch event in Ballynahinch, Minister McIlveen said: "This £11million scheme is part of an overall investment of around £70million in rural areas across Northern Ireland and is a powerful indicator of the importance the Executive places in stimulating and supporting rural communities."

Limavady Woman Guilty Of Benefit Fraud

A 44-year-old woman has been convicted at Londonderry Crown Court for claiming benefits she was not entitled to.

Jacqueline Kelly of Anderson Crescent, Limavady claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £71,564 while failing to declare she was living with a partner. She was given 1,200 hours community service.

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

Portadown Resurfacing Scheme Complete

Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard has announced that a £150,000 resurfacing scheme for A4 Dungannon Road, Portadown has been completed.

Chris Hazzard said: "This is a main link road between M1 Birches roundabout into Portadown, so completion of these works is welcome news for between 5,000 and 10,000 drivers that use this road on a daily basis.

"The growth of our economy depends on having good infrastructure in place to meet the needs of our people. The benefits of the re-surfacing scheme to the A4 Dungannon Road, Portadown go towards helping meet these needs and improving transport connections for people, goods and services."

(MH/LM)