Other News In Brief

Figures Reveal Significant Drop In Livestock Attacks

The Ulster Farmers' Union has welcomed a 60% reduction in dog attacks on farm animals.

The figures, when compared with 2018, reduce the worth of farm animals savaged by dogs to £15,000.

Commenting following the publication of NFU Mutual's figures, UFU deputy president Victor Chestnutt said: "It is positive to see that there has been a major decrease in the number of livestock worrying incidents in Northern Ireland. Dog attacks have long been a major issue for UFU members and is an ongoing concern that we have been actively raising awareness of."

NFU Mutual completed a survey with over 1,300 dog owners and their findings showed that 95 percent would put their dog on a lead if they see a sign warning them of livestock nearby, a five percent increase from 2018.

Mr Chestnutt added: "I am pleased that dog owners are taking the message on board and are being mindful of our local farmers who would be left to deal with the horrendous situation if a livestock attacked occurred. It would cause serious stress for the farmer and the aftermath would be traumatic for the animal(s) should it survive.

"While NFU Mutual's statistics highlight a vast improvement in livestock worrying, work in this area continues as unfortunately there were farmers who did experience a livestock attack last year. Therefore I reiterate the message to dog owners, one that has been shared time and time again, it is vital that you keep your dog on a lead when visiting the countryside and take the necessary steps to ensure that your dog cannot escape from your home when you are not around. To all farmers, I urge you to please ensure that all incidences of livestock worrying no matter how small, are reported for investigation to your local dog warden."

Call To Make NI's Motorway Bridges Safer

A call has been issued for the height of railings on motorway bridges across Northern Ireland to be raised.

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has been urged to implement the changes in an effort to improve safety and help reduce the number of suicides.

This comes after it was revealed the Minister has no plans to raise the railings on Arthur Bridge, Hightown Bridge and Clifton Street Bridge in north Belfast following recent suicide attempts.

Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín expressed disappointment at the news.

The North Belfast MLA said: "Sinn Féin has previously met with the Department of Infrastructure, the Public Health Agency, the Belfast Trust and the PSNI in October to discuss railings at these and other bridges.

"All Departments and statutory bodies have a duty to explore every option to improve suicide prevention measures and I hope the Minister will reconsider this position."

Parking Disruption As Belfast Street Undergoes Improvements

A series of improvements are set to take place on a street in west Belfast.

The Department for Infrastructure is investing £108,000 to deliver footway resurfacing works on Highfield Drive.

Work will begin on Monday 24 February and run until Friday 10 April.

Daily road closures will be in operation on weekdays between 8am and 4.30pm to facilitate the work.

Diversionary routes will be signed and whilst access for residents will be maintained as much as possible, unfortunately parking cannot be accommodated during the hours of working.

Road users should expect some delays and allow additional time when planning any journeys.



(JG/MH)