Other News In Brief

Green Party Rep Hits Out At West Belfast Attacks

The Green Party has condemned the recent attacks and intimidation against the Welcome Centre homelessness charity in West Belfast.

In a statement, the party's West Belfast representative, Ash Jones said:

"To see these vile attacks against a homelessness support charity is completely despicable. These actions - including ramming the Welcome Centre with a car and setting it alight - have rightly been widely condemned. This is an organisation which does vital work to mitigate the homelessness crisis in Belfast, and those seeking to halt its activity should be ashamed.

I am particularly appalled at graffiti threatening that workers repairing the building will be shot. Our community has joined place for these kinds of threats, which attempt to drag us back into the routine violence of the Troubles. I hope those responsible are brought to justice, and that the agitation against the Welcome Centre ceases. I offer every solidarity to the Welcome Centre at what must be an incredibly stressful time."

Live Olympic Action To Hit The Big Screen In Coleraine

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is set to bring live Olympic action to the big screen this July, in celebration of Coleraine's Hannah Scott rowing for Team GB at the Paris Olympics

A fan zone will be set up in Coleraine's Town Hall on Tuesday 30 and Wednesday 31 July with coverage running from 9:30am – 6:00pm each day.

Hannah will be competing in the Women's Quadruple Sculls alongside Lauren Henry, Lola Anderson and Georgie Brayshaw. The race heats are scheduled for Saturday 27 July with the finals on Wednesday 31 July. The GB boat is the top seed, facing competition from China, Australia, Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, Switzerland and the USA.

Following in the footsteps of Olympic medallists Alan Campbell and brothers Richard and Peter Chambers from Coleraine, Hannah began rowing at Bann Rowing Club, one of the oldest and most successful rowing clubs in Ireland. She is also the current World Champion in the Women's Quad.

The fan zone will offer sports enthusiasts in the Borough a chance to come together, show support, and celebrate both Hannah and all the exceptional athletes competing at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Executive Office Launches Competition To Appoint New COPNI

The Executive Office has announced the launch of a competition to appoint a new Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland (COPNI).

Launching the competition, First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: "It is vital we have a dedicated Commissioner for older people. The new Commissioner will play a pivotal role in ensuring we continue to safeguard and promote the rights of older people across our society."

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly commented: "We want to thank the outgoing commissioner, Eddie Lynch, for his work during his time in the role, and we look forward to appointing a new Commissioner who will continue to champion the interests of older people at the highest level and bring about real improvements in their lives."

Completed application forms must be returned by 12 noon on Friday 16 August 2024.