Other News In Brief

Man Injured In Gas Cylinder Explosion

A man is being treated in hospital following a gas cylinder explosion in South Belfast.

According to reports, the incident occurred close to the Belfast Boat Club which sits on the River Lagan in the Ormeau area early today, Thursday 28 April.

Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue and Northern Ireland Ambulance Service responded to the incident.

The cause of the explosion is being investigated.

Ofcom Decide To Uphold Greens BBC Complaint

The Green Party NI has said that they will "continue to make our case" after Ofcom's announced a decision not to uphold a complaint about the BBC's coverage of the 2022 Assembly election.

Party Leader Clare Bailey said: "Broadcasters have a duty to remain impartial, especially during an election campaign. It's unacceptable for the main alternative to the broken five-party Executive system to be passed over for coverage in favour of controversy and sensationalism.

"In no other democracy would the main opposition party be excluded from election debates and other election coverage.

"We're glad that following public pressure, the BBC reversed its decision to only grant the Green Party NI one Party Election Broadcast slot. But we're disappointed that UTV has refused to do the same.

"Despite Ofcom's decision not to uphold our complaint relating to other election coverage by the BBC, the Green Party NI will continue to make our case for our positive and hopeful vision for Northern Ireland.

"It's time to move beyond the traditional politics of division, and to deliver for the people of Northern Ireland."

Cookstown Roadworks Announced For 03 May

The Department for Infrastructure has announced a road resurfacing scheme in Cookstown, due to begin on Tuesday 03 May.

The resurfacing works will start on the U5026 East Circular Road and include the full length of the carriageway for approximately 600 metres.

Also included in the package of works is the resurfacing of 1.8 kilometres of the A29 Dual Carriageway. Both sides of the dual carriageway are included from the Cookstown side to the C565 Muff Road.

To facilitate the work on East Circular Road a road closure will be required. Diversion routes will be sign posted.

To facilitate the work on the Dual Carriageway temporary traffic management arrangements will be in place, meaning vehicles will be prohibited from making a right turn from a number of side roads. A mandatory 40mph speed limit will also be in place and overtaking will be prohibited.

The Department has carefully planned these road works and associated traffic management arrangements in order to minimise inconvenience to the public. Road users are advised to avoid the area whenever possible and to allow extra time for their journey and to follow the alternative routes which will be clearly signed on the approaches to the closures.

During construction access for local residents and businesses will be facilitated.

Completion of the work by late June is subject to favourable weather conditions, however, the Department will keep the public informed of any change.  All work will be carried out in line with current public health and safety advice, with safe systems of working in place for staff and contractors.