Other News In Brief

SDLP Calls For Update On A5 Upgrade Progress

The SDLP have called on the Infrastructure Minister, John O'Dowd, to provide and update on work to progress the A5 upgrade.

West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan was speaking after meeting with the Enough is Enough campaign at Stormont on Tuesday. Campaigners also met with the Infrastructure Minister.

Mr McCrossan said: "It was fantastic to welcome the A5 Enough is Enough campaigners to Stormont on Tuesday. It's not an overstatement to say that without their tireless efforts we would never have gotten this far, in the darkest moments of the fight to see the A5 delivered this group, many of them bereaved relatives, showed amazing strength and determination to drive this project on.

"I welcome their positive engagement with the Infrastructure Minister today and would urge the Minister to provide the Assembly with an update on the next steps for the A5. We are still waiting on the findings of the public inquiry and we have absolutely no time to lose if we are going to see work begin before the end of the year.

"I don't need to repeat just how important the A5 upgrade is for everyone in this area, we are still seeing lives being lost on this road on a regular basis and I cannot tell you the impact that has, not just for those who lose a loved one, but for everyone in this area. Improved transport links would also make it easier to attract much needed jobs and investment, something this part of our island has been crying out for.

"Finishing this road upgrade will protect everyone who travels on the A5 and improve this area for the local community who lives here. The SDLP Opposition will keep pushing the Minister for more information and delivery at the first possible opportunity."

Appeal For Information Following Burglary In Newry

The PSNI have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following an overnight burglary at a house in Newry.

Officers received a report on Monday, 18th March around 1.30am that a house in the Castlekeele area had been ransacked. Entry was gained by smashing a glass patio door to the back of the house. It is still being determined what may have been stolen from the property.

It is believed that the break-in occurred sometime between 7pm on Sunday, 17th March and the early hours of Monday, 18th March.

Detective Sergeant Lorraine Dougherty said: "We would appeal to anyone who was in the Castlekeele area and noticed anything out of the ordinary to make contact with us on 101, quoting reference 169 18/03/24.

"We would be especially keen to hear from anyone who may have dash-cam, CCTV or mobile footage of area that we could review."

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 crimestoppers-uk.org/

DUP Criticise TUV For 'Wrecking And Splitting Approach' To Politics

The DUP have criticised the TUV for their "wrecking and splitting approach" to politics.

East L'Derry MP, Gregory Campbell, was responding to the TUV and the UK's Reform Party "arrogantly describing fellow Unionists as not being unionists.

Mr Campbell said: "On the basis of a range of recent election results no Reform or TUV candidate can realistically win. Yet they arrogantly describe fellow Unionists as not being unionists. This is Alice in Wonderland language where words will mean what they want them to mean.

"Their wrecking and splitting approach will be music to the ears of those who want to see fewer Unionist MPs elected to Westminster.

"This approach to 'strengthening the Union' from the TUV is to weaken and divide unionism and in effect do the job of those who want to ensure a weaker and divided unionism is delivered.

"Unionists across Northern Ireland are wiser to the nonsense being talked by some who themselves not so long ago voted for the Protocol in the European Parliament."