Other News In Brief

Alliance Welcomes EU Negotiator Comments

Alliance MLA Stephen Farry has welcomed comments from the lead EU negotiator in relation to a special deal for Northern Ireland.

Mr Michel Barnier told a joint session of the Oireacthas he would work to avoid a hard Irish border. Dr Farry said it was proof there is a growing understanding across the EU of the challenges arising from Brexit, in particular in relation to Northern Ireland, with a willingness to try and address them.

Dr Farry said: "It is clear there is an opportunity to create a special deal for Northern Ireland which takes into account the all-island dimension, avoids a hard border, protects the local economy and defends the Good Friday Agreement.

"But while civil society and the business community, alongside some elected representatives, have done a good job in raising these requirements, it is clear we need an Executive to advocate for its interests and to achieve the best outcome.

"There is also a clear warning, especially in the context of a hard Brexit in which a customs frontier emerges in Ireland, that an actual border will be next to impossible to avoid. For all of the warm platitudes about avoiding it, there has to date been little practical indication regarding how this could be achieved."

£30m Secured For Green Energy Projects In NI

Clearpath Finance has secured at least £30 million for green energy projects in Northern Ireland.

The Green Energy Fund will be available for new and existing wind farms and anaerobic digester businesses and projects.

Conor Devine MRICS of Clearpath Finance said: "We are committed to helping green energy projects in Northern Ireland. Continued growth and investment into this sector is vital as we move to harvest renewable energy sources."

James Gibbons from Clearpath Finance, said: "Obtaining and delivering finance in this current market can be extremely difficult. At Clearpath, we have identified the support and solutions needed for businesses who are seeking to finance or refinance their business or project at more competitive finance rates than those currently on offer. We will continue to provide new finance streams to businesses across Northern Ireland."

UUP Cllr Nominates As A Candidate In East L'Derry

UUP Cllr Richard Holmes has handed in his nomination papers for the General Election at the Electoral Office in L'Derry.

Mr Holmes said: This election is crucial not only for the United Kingdom’s Brexit negotiations but for Northern Ireland’s place in the United Kingdom.

"Farming, the food industry and tourism are important industries in our constituency and must be protected in negotiations with Europe. Northern Ireland can’t be the poor relation in the UK.

"I bring over 20 years of business experience with me. With a failed Executive at Stormont, I will work hard to ensure we get a fair deal."

(CD)