Other News In Brief

Unique Swimming Pool Lifts Installed In Number Of NI Pools

A unique swimming pool lift which replaces pool hoists has been rolled out in a number of leisure centres across Northern Ireland.

Pool Pods are a platform lift that were developed for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. With investment from the Department for Communities these pool pods are transforming pool access for those with a disability, impaired vision, restricted mobility and pregnant women

Fergus Devitt, Director of Active Communities at the Department for Communities, said: "I am delighted that the Department has been able to commit significant funding to provide pool pods at District Council Disability Sports Hubs across Northern Ireland. Opening up access to swimming pools for people who would otherwise not be able to use these facilities is a practical outworking of our commitment to the Active Living: No Limits Action Plan and to the promotion of opportunities for participation in physical activity and sport amongst people with mobility issues."

The facilities to secure pool pods are Bangor Aurora Complex, Lakeland Forum, Omagh Leisure Centre, Newry Leisure Centre and Foyle Arena.

IFA Urged To Cancel Soccer Friendly Against Israel

The Irish Football Association has been urged to cancel an upcoming international soccer friendly with Israel.

Making the call, Sinn Féin Culture Arts and Sport spokesperson Sinéad Ennis MLA, said: "I am reiterating calls for the IFA to reconsider an international friendly planned for Tuesday 11 September with Israel at Windsor Park.

"Over recent months we have seen the slaughter of more than 160 Palestinians - men, women and children - by Israeli forces.

"Since June, there have been significant steps forward in the campaign against Israeli military aggression with Argentina cancelling a planned pre-World Cup friendly and the loss of major sponsorship deals of the Israeli soccer team.

"Sinn Féin continue to support the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel under which cultural, academic and sporting links fall.

"Therefore, I am once again calling on the IFA to cancel this match and send out a strong signal that the slaughter of Palestinians in Gaza, breach of international and human rights abuse won't be tolerated."

Cyclist Involved In Antrim Road Collision

A section of the Antrim Road in Belfast remains closed following a collision involving a cyclist and vehicle.

An Emergency Ambulance crew are at the scene of a road traffic collision following a 999 report of a collision involving a cyclist near the Iceland supermarket on the Antrim Road.

The incident is ongoing and updates will follow.