Other News In Brief

SDLP Rebukes PM Boris Johnson

SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has strongly rebuked Prime Minister Boris Johnson after he failed to commit to upholding international law in the House of Commons.

Johnson was responding to a question from the SDLP Leader about the compliance of yet-to-be-seen legislation on the Northern Ireland Protocol with the British Government’s obligations under the deal reached with the European Union.

Mr Eastwood said that a Prime Minister with an established record of casual law breaking, who may not be in office much longer, should be able to give a simple commitment to people in Northern Ireland that the law will be followed.

He said: "Boris Johnson's casual relationship with the truth has now morphed into a casual disregard for the law. Breaking lockdown regulations, resiling from international obligations to victims and survivors under the Stormont House Agreement and now failing to give a clear commitment that proposed legislation on the Northern Ireland protocol will respect international law.

"This Government claims to want to protect the Good Friday Agreement but in word and deed they have abandoned the politics of consensus, ignored the clear will of people across the North and are ploughing ahead with a reckless and damaging course of action that will not command the support of people here.

"The sooner this Prime Minister is removed from office, the better for people in all of our communities."

Coalisland Leisure Hub Approved For Development

Plans for a new new leisure hub in Coalisland have been green lit.

The decision was reached at Mid Ulster District Council's Planning Committee last night, 07 June, where the new leisure, health and well-being hub at Gortgonis in Coalisland received planning permission.

A new leisure centre will be constructed on the existing Gortgonis site, incorporating a gym, community hall, changing rooms and meeting rooms, as well as new outdoor facilities to include a 6-lane running track, 3G pitch, woodland walkways and two play areas.

This meeting also saw the proposal for a new-build school at Edendork approved. At Edendork, the proposals will see the creation of an 11 classroom primary school on the site of the old parish hall, with new car parking and access arrangements, together with hard and grass play areas.

Chair of the Council's Planning Committee, Councillor Cathal Mallaghan, said: "Our planning system has a key role to play not only in ensuring that communities have space to live and work, but also to enjoy social and leisure activities, with all the health and well-being benefits that brings.

"The Gortgonis scheme will transform the current facilities, greatly enhancing the opportunities for physical activity and play, and bringing significant benefits to the local community.

"In Edendork, the new school will create modern educational facilities for teachers and pupils alike, while also addressing the challenges which the school has faced on its existing site, particularly around vehicular access and parking."

Dept Considers How Existing Birth Certificates Could Be Reissued In Irish

South Belfast Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw has welcomed that the Department of Finance is considering how existing birth certificates could be reissued in Irish.

The Finance Minister confirmed that new documents could be issued in response to a written question from Ms Bradshaw.

Legislation to enable birth, marriage, civil partnerships and death certificates to be registered in Irish or bi-lingual English and Irish has been in effect since March 2022.

"It is a welcome step towards a truly inclusive society that existing Birth Certificates could soon be reissued in Irish or bi-lingual English and Irish," said Ms Bradshaw.

"The Irish Language is an important part of our shared cultural and linguistic heritage and it means so much to many in our society. Whilst it is a small change, it is a hugely significant gesture that signifies respect and allows for an individual's personal preference to be taken into consideration."