Other News Brief

High Court Rules Against Proposed Badger Cull

The Alliance party has welcomed a decision by the High Court has ruled against a proposed badger cull.

The party's Spokesperson for Agriculture and Environment John Blair, said: "I, alongside the many charities which I have been working with to stop the badger cull, such as the USPCA, Ulster Wildlife and the Northern Ireland Badger Group, am delighted to hear the high court's decision.

"Whilst there is no doubt that bovine TB is an ongoing issue in Northern Ireland, it can be controlled through other methods than an intensive badger cull, which would only lead to the destruction of protected wildlife. For example, it can be controlled through enhanced cattle movement controls and a cattle test-vaccinate-remove strategy.

"I am hopeful that this long-awaited outcome will now facilitate more engagement between DAERA and the wildlife sector. It is also clear, however, that we need a Minister in place to bring forward a better strategy which takes into account ethical alternatives to controlling bovine TB. Those within the sector, as well as our wildlife and livestock, will continue to suffer until such a strategy is put in place."

Alliance Animal Welfare Spokesperson, Paddy Brown MLA added: "This announcement demonstrates what can be achieved through people coming together for a common goal. While this is great news day, the issue still remains going forward and with no Minister in place it is unclear what else can be done for now.

"I look forward to the day there is a Minister in place to outline future plans and provide support and guidance for all those impacted by this issue."

New Chair And Board For National Museums Northern Ireland

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris MP, has announced the appointment of a new Chair and seven new Board Members to National Museums Northern Ireland.

Mr Heaton-Harris has announced Gordon Milligan OBE as the new Chair of National Museums Northern Ireland.

In addition, seven new Board Members have been appointed: Keith Charlton; Ryan Cornett; Sally Montgomery OBE; Peter Osborne; Therese Rafferty; Fiona Ryan; Mark Walker.

In the absence of Ministers in the Northern Ireland Executive, these appointments have been made under the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2022.

All eight individuals took up their roles on 1 October 2023. They bring a range of skills and attributes to the Board, with backgrounds covering areas such as: leadership; delivering results; governance and accountability; collaborative working; commercial management; and financial management. This experience will strengthen the Board, allowing it to champion and advance the work of National Museums Northern Ireland.

Invest NI Announce New CEO

Invest Northern Ireland has announced the appointment of Kieran Donoghue as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Making the announcement, Colm McKenna, Interim Chair of Invest NI, said: "I am delighted that we have secured Kieran as our new Chief Executive. Kieran brings a wealth of experience from a long and highly successful career in economic development and Foreign Direct Investment.

"This is an exciting time for the organisation and we look forward to welcoming Kieran to the team when he joins us in early 2024.

"I would also like to take the opportunity to thank Mel Chittock for his stewardship of the organisation over the last two years and to commend him on the guidance and support he has provided during that time. Mel will continue in the role of Interim Chief Executive until Kieran joins us."

Kieran Donoghue said: "I am delighted to take up this very important role. I look forward to working with the staff of Invest NI, the Board, the business community and our many stakeholders, as we pivot Invest NI to deliver the recently launched Action Plan in response to the Independent Review of Invest NI."