Other News In Brief

Irish Govt Commit Funding To Reconciliation

The Irish government has committed €1 million to support reconciliation on the island of Ireland, marking the 20th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

Speaking at an event to mark the anniversary, Irish Prime Minister Simon Coveney said: "This is a tangible expression of our commitment to the Good Friday Agreement and to the message of reconciliation which is at its heart.

"Today is about the people of the island of Ireland, North and South, who twenty years ago voted resoundingly in favour of peace and reconciliation. It is particularly fitting then that today we are able to announce this further support for the essential reconciliation work being carried out by civil society and individuals in Northern Ireland and indeed across this island."

Minister Coveney continued: "The Good Friday Agreement is the People's Agreement; the people who share this island and their relationships with each other are at the heart of reconciliation.

"I and the Irish Government are committed to providing the support necessary to ensure that the vital work of reconciliation is protected and progressed. This additional funding will increase the amount available through the Reconciliation Fund to €3.7 million each year."

Road Improvement Scheme To Begin In Omagh

A £270,000 road improvement scheme in Omagh will begin on 02 June, the Department for Infrastructure has announced.

The scheme will resurface a 1.7km stretch of the A505 Killclogher Road, which will improve the structural condition of the carriageway, enhance the running surface and reduce maintenance costs.

Temporary Traffic Control measures will be in place from 02 June to 09 June while preliminary work takes place.

A full road closure of the A505 Killyclogher Road will then operate daily between 8am and 5pm from the 11 June to 16 June to facilitate the resurfacing.

A temporary 40mph speed limit will be in force throughout the duration of the scheme from the junction of the Loughmacrory Road to the junction of the Comber Road.

The scheme is expected to be completed by the 16 June.

Families Urged To 'Love Your Zoo' This Bank Holiday Weekend

Belfast Zoo is encouraging visitors to 'Love Your Zoo' this Bank Holiday weekend with a range of family fun activities taking place including craft-making, face-painting, keeper talks and daily feeding times. 

Running this weekend – Saturday 26 May & Monday 28 May – and the following one – Saturday 02 June & Sunday 03 June – visitors will get the chance to celebrate their local zoo learning about its conservation efforts for endangered species and habitats. 

Love Your Zoo follows the announcement this week of Belfast Zoo obtaining full membership of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA).

Zoo Manager, Alyn Cairns, said: "We're thrilled with this news. It is a well-deserved recognition of the zoo's commitment to a programme of continuous improvement, fulfilling EAZA recommendations. The accreditation is a credit to the considerable investment by Belfast City Council into its infrastructure and facilities. This year, the zoo has welcomed a new tamarin and marmoset home and a renovated 'Lemur Woods'. An extended island home for the zoo's spider monkeys will be completed during the summer."

(MH/LM)