Other News In Brief

MLA's Condemn Attempted Murder Of Police Officers In South Belfast

MLA's have condemn the attempted murder of two police officers in South Belfast in an unprovoked knife attack on Tuesday 31 January.

Sinn Féin south Belfast MLA Deirdre Hargey said: "A police officer was stabbed in the neck and a second officer suffered cuts to his face during an attack in south Belfast in the early hours of this morning.

"This attack could have killed the officer and a man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

"Knives kill and using them as a weapon to attack someone often results in death or life-changing injuries, which has a wide-reaching impact on victims, their families and the wider community.

"These brutal attacks on public servants have a severely damaging impact on our local community and the entire city and must stop immediately.

"I appeal to the public that if anyone has any information on this attack to report it immediately to the police."

Alliance MLA Kate Nicholl also said: "I unreservedly condemn this violence. It is utterly intolerable police officers have been assaulted.

"My thoughts are with those who have been injured. I will be contacting the Chief Constable to express my concern for his officers and to thank him for PSNI’s role in protecting public safety.

"The PSNI performs a critical role at the heart of our society and are committed to keeping people and communities safe.

"I would appeal to anyone with any information to contact the police on 101 or the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111."

SDLP Welcomes Funding For 3rd Phase Of L'Derry Rail Line

The SDLP has welcomed confirmation that funding has been secured for phase three of the Derry railway line.

The project was previously shelved by the Department for Infrastructure, but was placed firmly back on track by previous Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon who delivered the Phase 3 Feasibility Study and ring-fenced funding for vital rail expansion for the North West region.

SDLP Infrastructure Spokesperson Mark H Durkan said:

"I am delighted that after years of delays funding has finally been secured for this vital project, the SDLP has remained steadfast in our commitment to deliver this for the North's second city. This long-promised upgrade has faced a stop-start approach from the outset, phase three Derry to Coleraine became somewhat of a pipedream with the department casting doubt over its future. Thanks to previous Infrastructure Minister Mallon, this perpetually postponed railway development was put back on track.

"Derry has been kept isolated by subpar infrastructure and no deeper is the East-West divide felt than in relation to transport. This rail upgrade will go a long way in addressing the regional imbalance and better connecting communities throughout the region. This project will provide a lifeline towards a brighter future for this city.

"The delivery of phase three will not only make it easier for people from Derry to travel to other parts of the North, but will have huge benefits in our fight to tackle the climate crisis. By making it easier for people to choose to leave their own vehicles at home and use public transport, it will reduce congestion and the harmful emissions that many of our vehicles produce.

"This is welcome news, but is the first of many steps needed to deliver fit for purpose infrastructure for the North West. I intend to meet with Eamon Ryan, the South's Minister for Transport in the coming weeks on the All-Island Strategic Rail Review and the SDLP will be seeking funding commitments from the Irish Government in relation to this important initiative."

SDLP Economy Spokesperson Sinead McLaughlin commented:

"Improved public transport for Derry is an integral cog in attracting investors and businesses into the North West and allowing our city to reach its full potential. Improved transport links will also make it easier for people to travel to the city - for work, for tourism or to shop.

"Delivery of the phase three rail line will be utterly transformational for the local economy and will kickstart higher levels of investment for the region.

"Today's announcement represents significant progress driven by the sustained lobbying efforts of SDLP representatives and our former Minister Nichola Mallon. We will continue to lobby for changes that will improve North-West connectivity for the benefit of all our people."

Govt Urged To Implement Recommendations Of Union Connectivity Review

The DUP has called on the Government to implement the recommendations of the Union Connectivity Review published by the Department for Transport.

The North Belfast MLA and Infrastructure spokesman, Phillip Brett, said the recent collapse of Flybe must act as an impetus for the Government to support better connectivity between Northern Ireland and mainland GB.

Mr Brett said: "It is deeply disappointing that despite the publication of the Union Connectivity Review in November 2021, the Government has failed to follow its recommendations, by reducing the rate of domestic aviation tax and to revise existing subsidy rules for domestic aviation.

"Competitive and reliable air connectivity in Northern Ireland is vital for economic growth, for jobs and for travel and as such, must be supported fully by the Government. Flybe has played a vital role in that connectivity, so its loss will be felt in Northern Ireland.

"That is why the Government must act to implement the Union Connectivity Review without any further delay, to ensure Northern Ireland has full and affordable access to its single largest market.

"The DUP team will be engaging with the Department of Transport in days ahead to progress the implementation of Union Connectivity Review."