Other News In Brief

Teenage Boy Attacked At Co Antrim Train Station

Police have issued an appeal for witnesses following the assault of a teenage boy at Whiteabbey Train Station.

According to reports, the 16-year-old was knocked unconscious and sustained a broken jaw when he was allegedly attacked by up to 10 young people on Saturday 21 August at about 9.30pm.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has any information, is asked to contact police.

£325,000 Bridge Strengthening Scheme For Galloon Bridge

The Department for Infrastructure has announced that a £325,000 bridge strengthening scheme for Galloon Bridge is set to get underway.

The work proposed involves phased concrete repairs to the underside of the bridge which will result in reduced weight restrictions on certain days during the construction period.

Minister Mallon said: "This significant investment to strengthen and upgrade the bridge will benefit everyone who uses the Galloon bridge.

"I would like to thank the public and local residents in advance for their cooperation and ask users of the Upper Lough Erne Waterway Navigation System to be mindful of the diversionary signage in place whilst the works take place."

Projected Gas Price Increases Highlight The Need For Carbon Neutral Society

The projected gas price hikes highlight the need to move away from fossil fuels towards a carbon neutral society, Sinn Fein MLA John O'Dowd has said.

The Upper Bann MLA John O'Dowd said: "This price increase on the back of electricity prices already increasing this year, could not have come at a worse time for struggling workers and families already dealing with the costs of the pandemic.

"As ever, it is those in fuel poverty, including older people, households with babies and young children, adults with disabilities and people living with long-term health conditions, who are most at risk from this type of hike.

"These prices hikes highlight why we need to move away from fossil fuels.

"The supplies of renewable energy can be tracked and predicted, however, the price of fossil fuels are extremely volatile and driven by unpredictable global conditions.

"A Just Transition to a carbon neutral society, through initiatives like a major retrofitting programme to ensure nobody is left behind, is the only way we can address these issues permanently and fairly.

"We need investment in renewable alternatives which are better for the environment, can create thousands of new jobs and produce sustainable and stable energy."