Other News In Brief

Alliance Raises Concerns Over Inclusion At West Belfast Féile

Alliance Councillor Nuala McAllister has condemned the display of IRA flags and chanting at a Wolfe Tones concert that brought an end to this year's West Belfast Féile.

This year's event put a focus on inclusion, with organisers taking events to all parts of West Belfast and welcoming input from all political and cultural backgrounds.

Councillor McAllister: "After two weeks of fantastic events that signalled the desire of organisers to create an open and inclusive festival open to all, it defies logic that they would then book this particular band to bring the festival to a close.

"What followed must be condemned. There is no place in our society for this blatant sectarianism designed to drive division and hatred deep into the community and those displaying flags and emblems need to recognise what unfolded was not acceptable. It was an extremely disappointing display and the organisers need to explain their thinking behind the booking.

"The organisers booked this band knowing its track record and now have some work to do to prove they are truly committed to providing an inclusive event, rather than simply paying lip service to diversity. Moving forward they must outline what steps they will take to ensure this does not happen again.

"Moving forward, I hope the organisers of Féile will pay more than lip-service to diversity and demonstrate through actions their real desire to showcase a truly inclusive festival in the future."

New Permanent Secretary For Dept For Communities Announced

The Executive Office has announced a new Permanent Secretary at the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS).

Tracy Meharg has been announced as the new Permanent Secretary in the Department for Communities, following the retirement of Leo O'Reilly in December.

Two New Resurfacing Schemes Due To Begin In Fermanagh

The Department for Infrastructure has announced the details of two new resurfacing schemes in Fermanagh.

A £230,000 scheme at Templenaffrin is due to commence on Monday 20 August and will resurface a 1.3km section of the road from the junction with Carrontreemall Road towards Belcoo. Work on this section is expected to be completed by Friday 31 August 2018.

Another £180,000 scheme in the vicinity of Glencunny Bridge will commence on Wednesday 29 August. This will resurface a 1.1km section of the road from the junction at Crownhall Road towards Belcoo. It is planned, weather permitting, to have all the work completed by 7 September 2018.

Whilst the Department has carefully planned these works and associated traffic management arrangements in order to minimise any inconvenience to the public, motorists should expect some delays and allow additional time when planning any journeys.

(MH/CM)