Other News In Brief

Appeal After Shot Fired Into House In Coalisland

The PSNI have issued an appeal for information after a shot was fired through the back door of a house in Coalisland.

Just after midnight on Tuesday 17th September, it was reported that the glass door of a semi-detached house in Canal Quay had been shattered.

It has been established that the damage had been caused by a discharged shotgun. A man inside the house at the time was not injured.

A scene remains in place as police enquiries are carried out.

Detective Sergeant Robinson said: "We are appealing to anyone who was in the Canal Quay or wider area at the time of the shooting and who noticed anything suspicious, or who may have doorbell or dash-cam footage that could help with our investigation, to get in touch.

"You can contact us on 101 quoting reference number 12 17/09/24."

A report can also be submitted online using our non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport or Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

SDLP Criticise Ministers For Not Raising Casement Issue With Chancellor

SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O'Toole has criticised Ministers' failure to raise Casement Park during a meeting with the Chancellor last week.

O'Toole asked the Finance Minister in the Assembly on Monday if funding for Casement was raised during the meeting in London, the day before the UK Government announced they would not fund the stadium in time for Euro 2028.

Minister Archibald confirmed Casement was not raised by her or the First and deputy First Minister, who were also at the meeting.

South Belfast MLA Mr O'Toole said: "Confirmation from the Finance Minister that Casement Park was not discussed at the Executive's meeting with Chancellor Rachael Reeves last week will rightly shock anyone with a vested interest in this project. The media had been awash with reports that a decision on Casement was imminent and to not even bring it up is a dereliction of duty from these Ministers.

"The Finance Minister was also unable to confirm what she and her officials knew about the Casement decision and when, only able to say that they were not aware an announcement would be made on Friday. Given the decision was made the following night, it's even more surprising that these leading Executive members chose not to raise it or were given no indication that it was coming.

"While the UK Government has handled the Casement situation appallingly, the blame for this does not lie with them alone. When in government the SDLP did everything we could to drive the project forward, but it has fallen victim to the collapse and dysfunction that has caused so much harm in our society. It may have been unlikely to lead to a separate outcome, but raising Casement Park during such a high-level meeting with the government is surely the least we can expect from these Ministers."

Paula Bradshaw Submits Petition Calling For 24/7 Access To Thrombectomy

Alliance South Belfast MLA, and chair of the All-Party Group on Stroke, Paula Bradshaw has submitted a petition to the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly supporting 24/7 access to thrombectomy for eligible stroke survivors.

The petition was organised by the Stroke Association and is signed by 3567 people, including stroke survivors who have benefited from Thrombectomy, some of whom attended the presentation at Stormont.

Speaking in the Assembly Ms Bradshaw said: "Thrombectomy is a procedure which if carried out on eligible stroke survivors in a timely manner can save brains, save money and change lives. It significantly reduces the chance of disability, saves £47,000 per patient over a five-year period on average, and enables some people to achieve functional independence.

“Thanks to the efforts of hard-working stroke teams, Northern Ireland has a relatively well-developed thrombectomy service compared to the rest of the UK. However, with only 6.4% of patients receiving thrombectomy, we still fall short of ensuring that every eligible patient can benefit from this life-changing treatment.

"One way to enhance access to thrombectomy is by providing a 24/7 service so that patients can access this no matter when or where they have their stroke. The Department previously committed to delivering a 24/7 service for Northern Ireland by the end of 2024 but are now saying this is unlikely to happen. This is unacceptable and will lead to more serious disabilities and in some cases, death.

"We need the Minister to work with the stroke community and to commit to thrombectomy expansion by reshaping services to prioritise infrastructure, equipment, workforce training and support.

"Now is the time to make thrombectomy treatment for stroke a priority. Failing to do so will have devastating consequences on so many lives."