Other News In Brief

Pipes & Drums To Take Off At Newtownards Airport

The Ards And North Down Pipe Band & Drum Major Championships is set to take place this Sunday, 11 May at Newtownards Airport.

A superb family day out, the world's best best pipe bands will compete together, with over 1,000 musicians competing.

There will be plenty to do for the whole family with face painting, children's highland games, food stalls and a mini funfair as well as a colourful display of talent in the Highland Dancing Competition.

It promises to be a day of music, colour and pageantry that will culminate in a spectacular Grand Finale March Past and Salute to the Chieftain, before the presentation of prizes.

Safety Improvements Complete At Galgorm Resort Path

A series of safety improvements have been completed at a path near Northern Ireland's famous Galgorm Resort and Spa in County Antrim.

Millennium Path at Galgorm Wood had previously been closed after concerns were expressed that some sections were unsafe.

The Galgorm route, which is also able to be accessed by members of the public, has since reopened.

Mid and East Antrim Council worked closely with Galgorm Resort and Spa to ensure that overhanging branches, which were posing a danger, have been removed as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Director of Operations, Philip Thompson, said: "I would like to thank Galgorm Resort and Spa for their ongoing agreement and for carrying out the extensive works to improve the safety of the Millennium Path. 

"I know many people enjoy this walk so I am delighted to see that it has been reopened to the public."

Councils Welcome £15m Boost For Fibre Broadband & Infrastructure

Local councils across Northern Ireland have welcomed the news that they are to receive £15m in funding to further boost fibre availability across Northern Ireland.

The funding comes from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) through its Local Full Fibre Networks Programme (LFFN).

Since June 2018, Northern Ireland councils have come to together to form the Full Fibre Northern Ireland Consortium (FFNI). The Consortium, which is hosted by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, is comprised of the ten councils outside of Belfast. The Consortium will implement an exciting new collaborative programme to drive greater investment in fibre and digital infrastructure across the region.

Together the Consortium developed a Northern Ireland bid for £15m of LFFN funding from DCMS. This substantial funding award will be used to deliver full fibre to approximately 880 public sector sites, under the Public-Sector Anchor Tenancy model, by March 2021. The project will enable Councils to significantly develop their ability to deliver services and improve access for communities and residents. It is hoped that this will be the first of many such investments over the next few years.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr John Boyle said: "I am delighted that the FFNI Consortium has secured additional funding from DCMS to support the enhancement of digital infrastructure across Northern Ireland.

"Investing in connectivity is essential for economic growth and prosperity and will help to further establish both Derry City and Strabane District Council and all of Northern Ireland as a digital destination for investment, jobs and business infrastructure. This is an excellent example of local councils working together for the benefit of the whole region."

Minister for Digital Margot James added: "We're building a Britain that's fit for the future, and our plans for a national full fibre broadband network underpin our modern Industrial Strategy. This £15 million boost for gigabit speeds in Northern Ireland will benefit homes and businesses across the country and I congratulate the Full Fibre Northern Ireland Consortium in its successful bid."

Currently only 12% of premises in Northern Ireland have access to full fibre connectivity and outside of the major conurbations the figure is much lower. With responsibility for promoting economic development, and local knowledge, the councils within the FFNI Consortium are well positioned to drive fibre infrastructure in areas where it is most needed.



(JG/CM)