Other News In Brief

Call For DUP And Sinn Fein To Publish Talks Documentation

Ulster Unionist Leader, Robin Swann MLA, has called on DUP and Sinn Fein negotiators to publish their talks documentation.

Ulster Unionist Leader, Robin Swann MLA, said: "I certainly wouldn't believe everything that Sinn Fein say, but today’s actions by Mary Lou McDonald provide an opportunity to get to the truth of the matter instead of playing a game of she said, she said. Arlene Foster can put this to bed by telling her negotiators, whoever they were, to publish their documentation. This is going to run and run until we get to the truth of the matter and at the minute that can only be established by both parties being honest and upfront.

"There are many other questions remaining, such as how were Sinn Fein able to arrive at the conclusion that all that was left to nail down was the presentation of the ‘agreement’ but it would be a good start to find out what they were intending to present.

"The suggestion by Sinn Fein that there was also going to be a change to how a future Justice Minister would be appointed, gives the impression that everything was on the table."

BSG Civil Engineering To Begin Ground Investigation Work In L'Derry

BSG Civil Engineering is to begin ground investigation work in Co L'Derry.

The work, which is expected to start on Monday, 19 February, will take place in the Foyle Street and Water Street areas, and is to be completed in two weeks.

The scheme will involve the excavation of a number of trial holes and boreholes to confirm the location of existing services and assess ground conditions.

Work will commence on the trial holes during the week commencing 05 March and is also expected to be complete in two weeks.

The investigation works are being carried out to assist with the planning of a future sewer project to be delivered the area later this year.

Diversions will be put in place.

Thousands Apply For Farm Business Improvement Scheme

A total of 2,996 applications have been received from farmers and growers to Tranche 2 of Tier 1 of Farm Business Improvement Scheme–Capital (FBIS-C), which closed for applications on Friday 2 February 2018.

Tier 1 of FBIS-C is designed to support small scale investments that will improve the sustainability of farm businesses through the purchase of equipment and machinery, costing from £5,000 to £30,000, from a list of eligible items.

The majority of applications were submitted online.

(CD/MH)