Other News In Brief

Alliance Confirms Submission To The People's Plan For Nature

Alliance has confirmed its submission to the People's Plan for Nature, outlining the ways in which it is committed to the safeguarding Northern Ireland's natural environment.

The party's Agriculture and Environment spokesperson, John Blair MLA, said the Plan highlights that the public will no longer accept "lacklustre approaches to the crisis unfolding in our natural environment. The demand for rigorous and urgent action, delivered collectively, is evident".

The People's Plan for Nature was created by the People's Assembly for Nature. It demographically represents a sample of 103 UK citizens, and consists of 26 Calls to Action for governments, businesses, NGOs and communities to take to address the crisis in nature.

In a statement the South Antrim MLA said:

"The calls for action within the Plan are far-reaching and challenging, but they are necessary to prevent worsening threats to our natural environment, and I’d like to thank the People’s Assembly for Nature for their level of engagement and enthusiasm on this. Alliance have accepted the challenge and have outlined the ways in which we will contribute to the proposed actions, as well as highlighting our ongoing efforts to deliver better for nature.

"For example, it’s imperative we keep the ecological crisis at Lough Neagh at the top of the agenda. Alliance’s ‘Five-Point Plan for Lough Neagh’ clearly aligns with many of the calls for action detailed within the Plan, such as increasing fines and penalties for polluters and investing in wastewater infrastructure. We are also proud to say that many other elements within the Plan already feature within the Alliance Green New Deal, such as implementing more nature-friendly farming practices.

"However, it is clear that the lack of a functioning Executive and appointed ministers to drive the environmental agenda, as well as sitting committees to scrutinise and monitor progress, are blatant obstacles to achieving adequate progress.

"As we await the return of devolved government here, Alliance remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding our precious natural environment. We simply cannot shy away from our responsibility to preserve it for future generations. The decline of our natural environment does not halt when our political institutions do, and so neither should our response to it."

Down Royal Partners With Friends Of The Cancer Centre For 2024

Down Royal racecourse has announced that Friends of the Cancer Centre is its official charity partner for 2024.

The partnership will see Friends of the Cancer Centre hold collections at thirteen of Down Royal's scheduled race meetings in 2024 in aid of its work supporting people with cancer across Northern Ireland.

Ciara Bainbridge, Corporate & Events Fundraising Officer for Friends of the Cancer Centre said: "Without support from local businesses like Down Royal we would be unable to continue our vital work which is making a real difference to thousands of patients and their families. This includes our funding of additional members of staff across cancer services and providing practical support, like financial grants, which can help make a difficult time a little easier.

"In addition, the funds raised will allow us to continue our investment in locally led cancer research through our partnership with the Northern Ireland Cancer Trials Network and the Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research at Queen’s University, which is helping find new and improved ways to treat many different types of cancer and giving hope to many.

"We are extremely grateful to the team at Down Royal and its racegoers for their vote of support. We’re asking the public when they see a Friends of the Cancer Centre volunteer at the fabulous race days to think of those across NI who are facing the most difficult of circumstances and give all they can. Thank you to everyone for the opportunity to become Down Royal’s official charity partner for 2024."

Emma Meehan, Chief Executive of Down Royal stated: "Friends of the Cancer Centre is well-known for its unwavering dedication to improving the lives of cancer patients across Northern Ireland and we are delighted to be able to support a cause which is so close to the heart of both our team and our valued customers. We look forward to a great year partnering with the charity’s team to raise as much as we can for this incredibly important cause."

Housing Executive Raises £8,260 For Age NI

The Housing Executive has raised £8,260 for its charity partner Age NI

Most of the money was raised at the Housing Executive's charity golf day in the summer of 2023 which was supported by many of the company's contractors.

Money was also raised through the sale of honey from beehives that are installed on the roof of the Housing Executive HQ in Belfast.

Housing Executive Chief Executive, Grainia Long, said:

"We are delighted to be able to support Age NI and all of the important work that they do across Northern Ireland.

"I would like to thank everyone who donated and got involved in our fundraising.

"I would also like to thank the fundraising committee and the colleagues who were involved in organising these fundraising activities."

Age NI Chief Executive, Linda Robinson, said:

"Age NI is delighted to be the Housing Executive’s charity partner and grateful for this support.

"This is a wonderful amount raised and a huge thanks to all staff involved in organising the golf day and sale of honey which have been a great success.

"All funds raised will help Age NI to continue our advice service which deals with thousands of calls from older people in need and provide vital support when it’s needed most.

"If you or an older person you know needs advice on benefits, housing, care or other support, please call our free and confidential advice line on 0808 808 7575."