Other News In Brief

Searches Continue After Firearms Uncovered In East Belfast

A police operation is continuing in East Belfast following the discovery of suspected firearms.

Following the report of a suspicious object in the Glenside area, a number of firearms were uncovered. Officers called in Ammunition Technical Officers to examine the scene.

Police have said that searches of the area are ongoing.

Poots Calls For Input On Future Agricultural Policy Proposals

Edwin Poots has called for input on the development of "one of the most significant" agricultural consultations in the last 50 years.

The Future Agricultural Policy proposals for Northern Ireland were launched for public consultation on 21 December 2021.

Speaking about the consultation, Minister Poots said: "This is a pivotal moment in our agricultural history and we have a once in a generation opportunity to forge our own path. The proposals provide a vision for a future agricultural regime that promotes productive, efficient practices through greater innovation and capacity, whilst protecting the environment, animal health and welfare and public health. It is the first time in around 50 years that we have had the freedom to draft policies that take into account Northern Ireland’s unique landscape, history and industry, and ensure that we have the right strategies in place to meet the changing and challenging needs of all our stakeholders.

"We can only make this transition this by working together in the co-development and design of new measures and interventions which better address the needs of Northern Ireland agriculture, the environment and rural communities."

Newry Flood Alleviation Scheme Completed

The Minister for Infrastructure, Nichola Mallon, has announced the completion of a flood alleviation scheme at Greenan Road, Newry.

This £160,000 scheme involved culverting a 40 metre section of open watercourse, upgrading 120 metres of existing culverted watercourse and the construction of a new culvert inlet structure.

Minister Mallon said: "As a result of this scheme the risk of flooding will now be reduced for 27 homes in this area. This work has improved the watercourse infrastructure to an appropriate standard and will enable my Department’s operational teams to safely carry out inspections and maintenance in the future."

The Minister concluded: "I committed during my time as Minister to taking action to protect homes and businesses from flooding and I have followed through on this commitment by allocating £19 million in funding for flood alleviation schemes across the North in my 2021/22 budget, an increase of £11 million from last year. Schemes like Greenan Road demonstrate how our infrastructure can improve the lives of people and communities across the North."