Other News In Brief

Cash And Drugs Seized In Carrick House Searches

Officers from the PSNI's Tactical Support Group have seized £100,000 in cash and quantities of both Class B and Class C drugs during a search operation of two houses in Carrick.

Welcoming the police operation, Alliance East Antrim MLA Stewart Dickson said: "I congratulate the police for this seizure.

"Illegal drugs bring nothing but misery and death to our community. There is every chance those seized would have ended up causing the same destruction and the police operation will be a major blow against those planning on selling the drugs.

"Drug money helps to fund other criminal activities and even paramilitaries. I urge anyone with information on illegal drugs to pass it to the police immediately."

Strategy Needed To Capitalise On NI's Special Status

A strategy is needed to build on Northern Ireland's special status under the protocol and continued access to the EU single market to attract investment and create jobs here, Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has said.

The party's economy spokesperson said: "It is time the British Government was honest about what it agreed and that the limitations of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement have created much of the friction businesses are experiencing; the £2 billion drop in exports of British food and drink to Europe highlights that.

"The protocol provides vital protections for businesses here and protects important all island supply chains.

"We need to see a greater focus on helping businesses identify opportunities and we need a strategy to take advantage of our special status under the protocol of continued access to the EU single market to attract investment and create jobs here.

"The DUP should listen to businesses, to the manufacturers, farmers and retailers who are telling us all that they want the protocol to work; the DUP should focus its attention on constructive dialogue to find solutions, rather than laying down demands."

Improving Energy Efficiency Across Dept For Infrastructure

Green design in the delivery of road signage and street lighting is improving energy efficiency, Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon, has highlighted as he department continue to work in the fight against the climate crisis.

Improvements in technology and materials used in the deployment of signs and traffic signalling technologies on the road network across Northern Ireland are part of the changes taking place. The Department is also using more energy efficient street lighting systems.

Minister Mallon said: "I am committed to delivering sustainable infrastructure that will transform communities and improve lives. From day one I have emphasised the need for environmental sustainability by using an electric vehicle as my Ministerial car and I have continued to move forward with my green agenda.

"Tackling the climate emergency should be a priority for all of us so I am delighted that my Department is continuing to take steps to be more sustainable in how it operates in order to lessen the impact on the environment."