Other News In Brief

Ballynahinch Bypass Scheme Approved Subject To Funding

Alliance Strangford MLA Kellie Armstrong has said the Infrastructure Minister has put too many schemes on the long finger and certainty is now needed.

Ms Armstrong was speaking after the Infrastructure Minister announced that the A24 Ballynahinch Bypass scheme was approved subject to funding.

She said: "Yet again we have a much needed scheme being progressed and approved, only to be put on the long finger. It joins the York Street Interchange and Downpatrick Distributor Bypass on a growing list of schemes where Minister Hazzard is keen for positive headlines that promise but do not deliver.

"The Ballynahinch Bypass is much needed and the motorists using it every day are feeling increasingly frustrated at the delay in getting started on the ground. We need the Minister to announce start dates, not make excuses."

Call For First Minister To Appear Before PAC

The SDLP is calling on First Minister Arlene Foster to appear before the Public Accounts Committee to answer questions over her involvement in the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scandal.

Party Leader Colum Eastwood MLA said that if she is unwilling to provide answers, her position as First Minister will become untenable.

An investigation by Spotlight revealed several errors in the scheme which will cost the public purse over £400million.

Mr Eastwood said: "Having listened to her interview with the BBC, she has totally failed to re-establish any confidence in the wake of this scandal.

"The tone of the First Minister's interview was particularly striking.

"Her interview was seeped with the arrogant belief that she has nothing to answer for. Her position seems to be that everyone was to blame except her.

"That attitude was vividly revealed when she didn’t even show the decency of offering the whistleblower a proper apology.

"Further revelations surrounding the connection between the DUP, its special advisers and the beneficiaries of this scheme, and in particular the spike in applications for the scheme in 2015, were very notably left unanswered by Arlene Foster.

"I would wager the £400 million that very few of the viewing public will have been reassured or satisfied with her answers or her attitude.

"I am now calling for the Public Accounts Committee to convene an urgent meeting which compels Arlene Foster to answer all relevant questions."

Preparatory Work Starts On £190,000 Carriageway Resurfacing Project

Preparatory work has started on a £190,000 major carriageway resurfacing scheme on the C218 Chancellors Road, Newry.

The resurfacing works extend a distance of approximately 1.5 kilometres from its junction with the A25 Camlough Road to its junction with the Martins Lane.

The project is expected to be completed in February 2017.

Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard said: "Improving transport connections along roads while maintaining a network which is fit for purpose is a priority for the Executive. This scheme is one of a number to benefit from the £15 million of funding my Department received from the Executive’s First Step Stimulus package in October.

"This significant investment of £190,000 in this particular scheme will greatly improve the strength and surface quality of this road, address ongoing maintenance problems and deliver benefits for the local community for many years to come."

Diversions will be put in place during the works.

(CD)