Other News In Brief

Carbon Reduction Workshops To Be Offered To NI Businesses

Northern Ireland's businesses will be offered carbon reduction workshops and practical net zero advice from 27 September to 1 October as part of Planet Mark's Zero Carbon Tour across the UK ahead of COP26.

The workshops will be provided by Planet Mark – a leading sustainability and net zero certification group that usually works with companies like Centrica and Charles Trywhitt – and forms part of the UN-backed Race to Zero and Together for Our Planet campaigns.

In the UK the Race to Zero effort is being coordinated by Kwasi Kwarteng's Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) department working with Local Authorities, Planet Mark, the Institute of Directors, and others. It is the Government's flagship campaign to raise awareness among the business community about the urgent need for firms to cut their carbon emissions.

The Northern Ireland leg of the Tour will see Planet Mark partner with NILGA and Translink to travel the region in Translink's new zero emission hydrogen bus, visiting local businesses to hear stories about how organisations are decarbonising in addition to providing net zero workshops for businesses that are yet to begin their low carbon transition. The tour is supported by Belfast City, Mid and East Antrim, Derry City and Strabane and Causeway Coast and Glens Councils and a flagship event will be held at Stormont on 30 September.

Steve Malkin, founder and CEO of Planet Mark, says: "We are delighted to be collaborating with NILGA and Translink on this leg of the Zero Carbon Tour as part of the Together For Our Planet campaign in the build up to COP26. We look forward to gathering in-person and online to talk about how all businesses and organisations, no matter their size, can contribute to the fight against climate change by committing to net zero carbon. Through the critical Race to Zero we can all play a part in our planet's future".

Road Improvement Scheme Announced For Old Holywood Road

The Department for Infrastructure has announced a major road improvement scheme for the Old Holywood Road in Belfast, starting on Monday 27 September.

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon said: "This significant investment will greatly improve the strength and surface quality of this road. I would like to thank the travelling public and local residents in advance for their cooperation while these much needed works are completed."

Due to the nature of the £170,000 scheme the work will be completed under daily road closures between the hours of 9.30 am and 6.00 pm, from Monday 27 September until Friday 1 October. During these times a diversionary route will be clearly signed via A55 Parkway, A2 Belfast Road and Jacksons Road.

Access for residents will be maintained while pedestrians will continue to have access to the footways.

Cinemagic Returns With Series Of Live Events

The 32nd annual Cinemagic International Film Festival for Young People is set to return as a series of live events from 01-31 October.

After a mostly digital programme in 2020 the festival's return to venues includes Belfast's UIster Museum, Odeon Cinemas and Queen's Film Theatre. The Cinemagic streaming platform will play a significant part in screening the festival's world cinema programme, with brand new titles for all ages to enjoy, and a catalogue of films released weekly.

Welcoming the festival's return, Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Kate Nicholl said: "Belfast City Council is delighted to continue its support for the award-winning Cinemagic Festival. Festivals play a key role in our 10-year cultural strategy for the city and it's inspiring to see how the film and television industry - something this city is passionate about - can bring people together from all walks of life and engage an entire community.

"I particularly admire Cinemagic's investment in our younger generation, which ties in with my own agenda of promoting the contribution of young people and getting their voices heard. After a challenging period, it's great to see this festival back in some of our favourite venues too. Combined with this year's virtual element, the organisers have come up with a fantastic hybrid programme that caters for all audiences."