Other News In Brief

Dawson MAM And MPS Complete £1.2m Project At Strabane Pumping Station

Dawson MAM and MPS have completed work on a £1.2 million improvement project at Bridge Street Wastewater Pumping Station, located off O'Nolan Park in Strabane.

A modern new pumping station was constructed to replace the 40 year old existing station. Other works included the construction of new tanks below ground and the demolition of an old concrete building on site. It was replaced with a smaller structure.

The new pumping station is equipped with new pumps, a new control panel and will have additional storage capacity to help reduce the risk of flooding and cater for future development in the local area. The scheme will also improve the water quality in the local River Mourne.

Catherine Watkins, NI Water's Project Manager for the scheme, said: "NI Water is delighted to have completed this important scheme for the Strabane area, which will modernise the sewerage infrastructure for our customers. The new Pumping Station will also reduce the risk of flooding incidents."

Punishment Attack Condemned

East Belfast Ulster Unionist Councillor, Alderman Jim Rodgers, has condemned an attack which took place on the Comber Greenway in the Knock area.

He said: "I unreservedly condemn the shocking incident which took place tonight in which a gang of up to seven men attacked a man in his early 20s in a paramilitary style attack, using bats, hammers and knuckle dusters, and as a result of the attack the victim is being treated in hospital for his injuries.

"The Comber Greenway is used by many people to walk dogs, ride bicycles and simply enjoy the peace and quiet. It is the last place where one would expect to see a brutal gang attack on a young man."

O'Neill Accused Of Attempting to Re-Write History

DUP Assembly Member for South Belfast Christopher Stalford has responded to comments made by Sinn Fein Deputy Leader Michelle O'Neill in which she claimed that the ongoing confidence and supply arrangement between the DUP and the Conservative Party was the reason for the absence of devolution.

He said: "Michelle O’Neill is attempting to re-write history. The collapse of the Northern Ireland Executive occurred five months before the General Election. Sinn Fein alone made the decision to bring down the Stormont Executive in January 2017.

"Mrs O'Neill will recall that it was her, as Sinn Fein nominating officer, who refused to nominate a Deputy First Minister last January. She chose and continues to choose not to serve in government. Every other party in Stormont is in favour of a return to government bar one.

"Sinn Fein has spurned every overture and opportunity presented to get back into government to serve all of the people of Northern Ireland. In the meantime, the DUP has used our position of influence in London to secure an addition billion pounds for public services which can benefit everyone.

"Whether £150m for broadband in rural areas, £50m for mental health services, £200m for roads or a cash injection to help keep GP practices and Daisy Hill hospital open, the DUP has delivered."

(CD)