Other News In Brief

Legislation To Stop Installing Water Meters Approved By Assembly

Legislation to stop the installation of water meters in domestic properties in NI has completed its Assembly process.

NI Water was asked to cease installation of water meters in domestic properties in July, while legislation to formalise this was brought to the Assembly.

Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard said: "I am pleased to announce today that the legislation to cease the installation of water meters at domestic properties in the north has completed its Assembly process.

"Installing meters currently costs the public purse around £200,000 per year. This is a waste of money given these will not be used. The legislation today will end this waste of valuable resources.

"These Regulations also reinforce the Executive's commitment not to bring in water charging for households and demonstrates the Executive's commitment to protecting people's personal finances in a tough economic climate."

Men's Shed To Be Established In Ballyclare

Over £9,000 funding has been secured for a new Men's Shed in Ballyclare, Co Antrim.

The funding has been awarded to Grange Youth and Community Group, under the Department's Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy, for the procurement of tools and equipment for the new Men's Shed in the town centre.

A Men's Shed is a larger version of the typical man's shed in the garden and is a place of leisure where men can come together for social interaction, to work on a project and share and learn new skills, which in turn may improve employment opportunities.

Communities Minister Paul Givan said: "The Men's Shed concept is a fantastic opportunity for local men to get involved in community based activities. It is a great place which encourages skill-sharing, informal learning and social interaction.

"It can also contribute greatly to the health and well being of individuals through an environment which encourages them to talk with each other and can give a real sense of achievement and value through finished projects."

The welcoming environment also assists men in dealing with their reluctance to discuss health and wellbeing issues, by providing a support network to participants by encouraging them to become involved in a broader range of programmes targeted at addressing their specific needs.

Dr Farry Elected Deputy Leader Of The Alliance Party

Dr Stephen Farry has been elected the deputy leader of the Alliance Party.

The North Down MLA was elected unopposed by party delegates at an Alliance Party Council meeting held in Bangor.

He succeeds Naomi Long MLA, who became Party Leader on 26 October.

Dr Farry was first elected as Alliance MLA for North Down in 2007 and served as Minister for Employment and Learning between 2011-2016. He has previously served Alliance as General Secretary and a Councillor in North Down.

He said: "I am delighted to receive this endorsement from the Alliance membership. Alliance is a party on the rise, with clear liberal and progressive values and a strong vision for an open and inclusive Northern Ireland.

"With Naomi, we have a powerful communicator and is set to take Alliance to the next level. For the past number of years, Alliance has had a strong team of elected representatives in the Assembly and elsewhere. My role now is to build on this foundation and to share in publicly advocating the Alliance vision, values and policies, and providing support in a range of internal functions."

(CD/LM)