Other News In Brief

SF Call For Apology From BBC Over Sectarian Chanting

Sinn Féin has called on the BBC to apologise after it broadcast what appeared to be sectarian chanting in a package on the UEFA Super Cup final.

Making the call, Paul Maskey said: "I was shocked at what appeared to be blatant and naked sectarianism in a clip broadcast as part of a package on the UEFA Super Cup Final in Belfast on BBC Newsline on Wednesday evening.

"The broadcast of this offensive chanting and abusive language has caused widespread anger and offence throughout the community.

"There can be no place for such sectarianism in our society.

"The BBC have confirmed that it does not intend to broadcast the clip again but it should also now act to remove it from the iPlayer to avoid causing further offence.

"The BBC should also now issue an apology for the considerable offence already caused.

"I have written to all MPs representing the north asking them to join me in calling on the BBC to apologise for this incident and have also written directly to the BBC asking for clarity on what happened and a full apology."

£8m LED Street Lighting Programme Investment

An £8 million investment in new LED street lighting programme will deliver future energy savings and is another step forward in delivering sustainable infrastructure across the north, Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has announced.

Speaking on a site visit to East Belfast to see the completion of a recent scheme on the Castlereagh Road, Minister Mallon said: "Investing in our street lighting programme is very important for me as street lights improve the safety of an area, help tackle anti-social behaviour and are crucial in ensuring those driving, cycling, wheeling and walking can do so safely after dark.

"Upgrading this infrastructure to LED is also much more energy efficient as well as being environmentally friendly. I am delighted that all of the energy used to power the street lights the Department is responsible for is now generated from 100% renewable sources. Up to 1 April 2021, approximately 112,000 new LED units have been installed, representing 39% of the Department's total stock of 288,959 lights. This has resulted in a reduction in energy consumption of approximately 24%."

RSPB NI Host Environment Minister In Antrim Hills

The RSPB NI has hosted Environment Minister Edwin Poots to see how one of their projects has benefited from funding through his Department's Environment Fund.

A range of projects funded through the Multi-year Environment Fund Strategic Strand and the Environmental Challenge Competition Strand of the Environment Fund include a Valuing Our Peatlands report showcasing the benefits of its restoration, improving environmental outcomes for wildlife and delivering curlew conservation and predator control in Antrim Special Protection Area at Glenwherry, as well as improving RSPB NI Nature Reserves for people and nature.

Following the visit, the Minister said: "I am delighted that my Department continues to provide significant financial assistance to enable RSPB NI to deliver key strategic projects across Northern Ireland. I am pleased that RSPB NI have received £500,000 over the past year through the Environment Fund, £90,000 of which has gone towards funding this important project at Glenwherry. This work is being underpinned by engagement with communities to encourage a shift towards positive environmental behaviour and sustainable action for biodiversity. I acknowledge the vital role that local farmers will play through the sensitive environmental management of their lands.

"Action to help breeding curlew is a significant conservation challenge we are faced with. My Department's Glenwherry Hill Farm is working with RSPB NI to benefit curlew and other upland birds and habitats. The benefits of this partnership are very evident at Glenwherry which contains a range of upland habitats and species, particularly wet grassland and blanket bog and birds such as hen harrier, merlin and breeding waders."

The Minister concluded: "I have long been an advocate of the need for sustained efforts to restore our natural environment and the role that nature will play in addressing the challenges of climate change."