Other News In Brief

Work Complete On £1m Housing Project In Co Antrim

Work on a new £1million housing project in Carrickfergus, Co Antrim, has been completed.

The Choice Housing scheme at Sunnylands Grove includes 12 new homes for people over the age of 55.

The new homes were supported by an investment of £714,192 from the Department for Communities with additional private finance provided by the housing association.

The apartments will enable older people to live independently and privately in their own dwelling within a safe, friendly and supportive environment.

Hazel Bell, Chair of Choice, said: "Sheltered housing is an excellent option for older people who want to live independently in their own homes but remain closely connected to their community.

"These new high quality apartments will make a real difference to the lives of residents and bolsters the number of Choice homes in the Carrickfergus area.

"Sunnylands Grove is the latest completion in a busy new build programme that is actively planning and constructing much needed new homes across Northern Ireland."

Ian Snowden, Director at the Department for Communities, said: "One of the aims of the Department for Communities is to provide good quality, affordable housing for everyone in housing need and this development at Sunnylands Grove is a fine example of what we are trying to achieve.

"These are modern, energy efficient homes providing a contemporary living environment for the older population of Carrickfergus with easy access to the town's facilities."

The Sunnylands Grove scheme was designed by Harry Rolston Architects and construction work was completed by O'Hanlon and Farrell.

Alliance Disappointed Over Ulster Bank Closures

Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has said she is "bitterly disappointed" after Ulster Bank announced it would close nine of its local branches from October.

The move means the Ards Peninsula is left without any banking provision. The bank said it was due to the increase in usage of its digital banking services. Affected branches include Kircubbin, Bangor, Monkstown, Garvagh, Derry, and Newtownbreda, Antrim Road, Boucher Road and Woodstock Road in Belfast. It follows the recent closure of 15 First Trust branches throughout Northern Ireland.

She said: "While the bank will explain it has considered mitigation factors, a non-digital option needs to be considered. I have already discussed with Ulster Bank, who have said a mobile on-wheels service for Kircubbin is "very likely" alongside the community banker service.

"As a local resident I know first-hand how the Peninsula suffers from a lack of internet signal. Many older people do not have a computer or access digital services via a smartphone. Given the sporadic and limited public transport, the removal of all other banks and post office from the area will leave a community bereft of services."

Referendum On Presidential Voting Welcomed

SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has welcomed An Taoiseach Enda Kenny's announcement that a referendum on Presidential voting rights for Irish citizens in the North and across the world will take place.

Mr Eastwood said that the role of President is about representing not just the state, but the Irish people, and that citizens in the North should have a voice in choosing that person.

He said: "The voice of An Uachtarán speaks for far more than the state, it is the voice of the Irish people. It is fitting that Irish voices from across the world, whether they're in Boston or Belfast, Dublin or Dubai, should have an equal stake in who holds that office.

"The story of this island and of the Irish people is one of travel and traversing the world. Integrating and influencing communities across the globe. But like no other people, Irish citizens remember their roots. It would be a powerful statement of acceptance for our global diaspora if they were granted a vote."

(CD)