Other News In Brief

Too Much Money Has Been Spent On Sectoral And Employing Bodies - Alliance

Too much money has been spent on sectoral and employing bodies which could be better spent educating children, Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has said.

The Strangford MLA was speaking after the Department of Education published an independent 'landscape review' of the Education Authority (EA), to look at the operation and governance of the EA. Its recommendations include the EA improving communications and responsiveness, and making education services more child-centric.

"This review has confirmed while some aspects of the EA have progressed, many issues of concern remain outstanding," said Ms Armstrong.

"It has also laid out the EA should be more child-centric. Indeed, the whole education system should concentrate more on outcomes for children rather than maintaining an overly complicated and sectional school system.

"Alliance has repeatedly called for an independent review of the entire education system, which was finally confirmed to take place 18 months ago. Given it is due to report later this year, the question needs asked of why we need such a complex and complicated education administrative system. Too much money has been spent on sectoral and employing bodies that could instead be used to educate children.

"It is time for the education system to be less about vested interests and protection of separation, and instead to be about providing our children and young people with the education they deserve."

'Brexit Is A Disaster Economically' - SF

Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has said that the protocol is working and is protecting the north from the worst excesses of Brexit.

Speaking on the publication of research from the London School of Economics and the Resolution Foundation on the impact of Brexit on the economy, the East Derry MLA said: "This latest analysis highlights once again that Brexit is a disaster economically.

"It is also further evidence that the protocol is protecting the north from the worst excesses of the hard Brexit delivered by the Tories and the DUP.

"The growing weight of economic evidence reflects the experiences of local businesses, that the protocol provides important protections and gives businesses in the north with the unique opportunity to access both the British and EU markets.

"In the middle of a cost of living and inflation crisis, we need to maximise these opportunities to create jobs and prosperity.

"The British government needs to engage in good faith negotiations with the EU to ensure businesses, workers and our local economy here can continue to benefit from these opportunities."

Work To Start On Resuracing Scheme In Castlereagh

A £120,000 carriageway and footway resurfacing scheme on Moneyreagh Road, Castlereagh, will commence on Monday 27 June 2022.

Image of resurfacing work being carried out

The scheme stretches from Marylands Industrial Estate in a southerly direction (through Gransha Road / Knockbracken Road junctions) for a distance of approximately 150 metres.

To facilitate the scheme it will be necessary to implement weekday lane closures along the work area on the Moneyreagh Road for the duration of the works from Monday 27 June until Friday 5 August 2022 between 9.30am and 4:30 pm.

In addition to the weekday lane closure a full road closure will be required to complete the associated surfacing works. This will be in place overnight from Monday 1 August until Friday 5 August 2022 between the hours of 7.30 pm and 6:00 am.

During these times a signed diversionary route will be in place using the B178 Hillsborough Road - A7 Belfast Road - A24 Saintfield Road - A55 Upper Knockbreda Road - A23 Ballygowan Road and vice versa. Local access for residents and emergency services will be maintained at all times.

Subject to favourable weather conditions all work will be completed by 5 August 2022, however, the Department will keep the public informed of any change.