Other News In Brief

Work Starts On New Transport Hub In West Belfast

Construction work has started on a new £2 million Transport Hub and Civic Square in west Belfast.

The new Transport Hub forms a vital part of the Belfast Rapid Transit (BRT).

The new facility also includes an integrated community space and a civic square that will accommodate public events alongside a coffee dock, waiting area and public toilets.

The Department for Infrastructure is delivering the project in partnership with The Executive Office through the Urban Villages Initiative.

Ciáran de Búrca, Director of Transport projects at the Department for Infrastructure said: "This new local transport hub is due to be completed in summer 2018, in time for the start of Belfast Rapid Transit services in September 2018.

"It will further support the growing number of passengers who choose to use public transport in the West of the city. The new building will accommodate office space for the local community, a waiting area for passengers, coffee dock, travel information kiosk, secure cycle parking and public toilets."

Annie Armstrong, Manager at Colin Neighbourhood Partnership, said: "This project marks the beginning of an exciting change for everyone living in and visiting the Colin area. In addition to the great new transport system, the integrated community space will allow public events to be hosted, such as markets, carnivals and Christmas celebrations."

Call for Paramilitary Disbandment

Alliance MLA David Ford has said the Red Hand Commando's move to be legalised instead of disbanded could have serious implications for ending the scourge of paramilitarism in Northern Ireland.

The former Justice Minister said that while any move to end intimidation should not be snubbed, there was no evidence that this would actually happen if the group was granted legal status by the Home Office.

Mr Ford said: "While there are many questions that need answered, a key issue is why they are now seeking to be de-proscribed, rather than disbanding, especially as a number of other loyalist groups remain in place. Described as a test case within loyalist circles, the concern is how this could hinder our progress in ending paramilitarism in Northern Ireland, with groups like these using legal channels to continue exerting control over their communities.

"In Northern Ireland the lack of a functioning Executive has left far too many people living with the reality of paramilitary control, including from the Red Hand Commando, as evidenced by flags and other symbols. With many afraid to speak out for fear of repercussions, we must rectify this.

"Alliance has consistently called for a proper strategy to tackle paramilitaries, based on breaking down the structures that exist, not facilitating ongoing community control and organised crime under a veneer of respectability."

UUP Welcomes PM's Intervention Over Threat To Bombardier Jobs

Ulster Unionist Economy spokesperson, Alan Chambers MLA, has welcomed an intervention from the Prime Minister over a threat to Northern Ireland Bombardier jobs arising from a US trade dispute.

He said: "I am glad that the Prime Minister has raised the issue of protecting Northern Ireland Bombardier jobs directly with the President of the United States. The prospect of punitive fines being imposed on Bombardier is deeply concerning and I would appeal to the UK Government to do all they can to ensure jobs are not jeopardised by this dispute.

"Our manufacturing sector has been hard hit and no one wants to see another year where we are lamenting large scale jobs losses. Bombardier is a major employer in Northern Ireland, so it is vital not just for the workers and their families, but also the local economy, that there is a positive resolution to this dispute."

(CD/MH)