Other News In Brief

Appeal Following Arson Attack In Banbridge

The PSNI have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following an arson attack in Banbridge.

Shortly before 2am this morning, Tuesday 12th March, police received a report that two cars were on fire in the driveway a property in the Rockmore area of the town.

Officers attended, alongside the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, who quickly extinguished the blaze that had spread to a tree in the front garden area.

The two cars, a silver Toyota Yaris and red Toyota Corolla, were completely burnt out as a result of the fire.

Scorch damage was also caused to the garage area of the property. A man and teenage boy who were inside the house at the time were not injured.

Inspector Kerr said: "We are grateful to our colleagues in the Fire Service for tackling this fire which could have had extremely serious consequences for those affected.

"Our enquiries are ongoing and I would appeal to anyone who may be able to assist with our investigation or has CCTV, dash-cam or mobile phone footage, to contact us on 101, quoting reference 78 12/03/24.

"We are especially keen to hear from anyone who noticed suspicious activity or anything out of the ordinary in the Rockmore area between 1.30am and just before 2am, to get in touch."

Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/

Dungannon Business Owner Fined For Waste Offences

Dungannon business owner, Brian Quinn, has been fined £900 at Dungannon Magistrates Court after pleading guilty to three counts of unauthorised disposal of controlled waste on lands at Corr Road, Dungannon.

The court heard that on 15 March 2023 Northern Ireland Environment Agency officers inspected a site on the Corr Road, Dungannon controlled by Mr Quinn (47) which was connected to a shredding business by the name of Confidential Shredding (CO) NI.

Officers observed hundreds of wooden pallets, large amounts of paper pre and post shredded, cages of plastic wrapping, piles of baled cardboard and large amounts of empty egg boxes.

Officers also observed machinery connected with the shredding and baling of paper and cardboard in sheds onsite. Although the business did have a registered carriers of waste licence it did not hold the necessary Waste Management Licence for the depositing, keeping and treating of waste materials.

Over £1.1m Announced For Two Major Roadworks Schemes

Two major roadworks schemes worth over £1.1 million for Cushendall and Ballynahinch have been announced by Infrastructure Minister, John O'Dowd.

The Minister has announced a £550,000 carriageway resurfacing scheme on the A2 Coast Road in Cushendall to commence on Tuesday 19 March, and a £560,000 carriageway resurfacing scheme on the B7 Crossgar Road Ballynahinch, to begin on Monday 25 March.

In Cushendall, the resurfacing scheme will extend from Ballyeamon Road to 120m south of Gortaclee Road.

Minister O'Dowd said: "It is vital that all available capital budget within my Department is fully utilised to deliver much needed investment in our infrastructure, including on the maintenance of our roads. I have allocated an additional £1million to address potholes in this financial year and £8.1m to deliver resurfacing schemes to continue to address the poor condition of our road network.

"This substantial investment of £550,000 for the Cushendall area from that additional funding will deliver significant benefits for residents and road users. The investment demonstrates my commitment to improving our road network, which is vital for connecting our businesses and communities. I would like to thank residents, local businesses and commuters for their patience while this essential infrastructure work is carried out."

And in Ballynahinch, the resurfacing scheme will involve the asphalt resurfacing of a 1.9 kilometre stretch of the Crossgar Road from the Ballylone Road junction to the Drumaconagher Road junction.

Minister O'Dowd said: "It is vital that all available capital budget within my Department is fully utilised to deliver much needed investment in our infrastructure, including on the maintenance of our roads. I have allocated an additional £1million to address potholes in this financial year and £8.1m to deliver resurfacing schemes to continue to address the poor condition of our road network.

"This substantial investment of £560,000 for the Crossgar area will deliver significant benefits for residents and road users and demonstrates my commitment to improving our road network, which is vital for connecting our businesses and communities. This work will greatly improve the strength and surface quality of this section of the road network to the benefit of local residents, businesses and those travelling between Ballynahinch and Crossgar. I would like to thank residents, local businesses and commuters for their patience while this essential infrastructure work is carried out.

"I will continue to press for vital funding to ensure our roads are maintained to a high standard."