Other News In Brief

Eastwood Welcomes 'Jump Start' Investment Of Derry and Strabane City Deal

SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP has welcomed the announcement of the Derry and Strabane City Deal, which he described as a 'jump start' for investment in the city and district's ambition.

Speaking during the City Deal signing ceremony in Derry's Guildhall today, marking the culmination of a long SDLP led campaign to secure critical investment in the city, Mr Eastwood said: "This is a significant day for Derry and the North West. The SDLP has been campaigning for City Deal investment here for a decade against the odds and sometimes against the wishes of Executive Ministers. When others couldn't, we saw the potential of leveraging this level of investment and the long term impact it could have on our ambition for growth, university expansion and opportunities for people across Derry and the North West.

"For too long we've been asked to live on hope alone but it's not enough. People need good jobs, better opportunities and sustained investment to achieve their ambitions.

"Today we are turning the page on a story of underinvestment in our city that has lasted for decades. And this is just the start. We've secured Irish Government investment in Magee, City Deal investment in the medical school, an NDNA commitment to 10,000 student places at a minimum. After decades of being overlooked, this is the beginning of Derry's fightback.

"The City Deal won't transform things overnight but it can, and it must, be a jump start for investment in people, skills, good jobs and better opportunities.

"People here know what it's like to have to fight for every penny of investment. At the weekend I was fighting again to get our City Deal back on track. And I am going to keep fighting to make sure that people in this city have the opportunities to realise their ambitions in the same way that people in other cities across Ireland can."

Alliance Praises Work Of Ulster Rugby Foundation

The Alliance Party has welcomed the work done by the Ulster Rugby Foundation in its first year of operation at its official launch, with Lagan Valley MLA David Honeyford stating it will have a positive impact on individuals and communities.

The foundation aims to help more people of all ages and abilities to get involved in rugby across the province and to have a positive impact on individuals and communities. So far the Foundation has raised tens of thousands of pounds for the development of the women's and girls' game, disability rugby, and the youth game.

Speaking after attending the official lauch of the Foundation, Mr Honeyford said: "This is the first time I've sponsored an event in one of the function rooms in Stormont, and for me personally it's really special that it's for Ulster Rugby Foundation. My own involvement in grassroots rugby changed my life.

"I can honestly say that if it hadn't been for my local club, Lisburn Rugby Club, I wouldn't be at Stormont today.

"From coaching the minis at Lisburn to developing links with Glenavy GAA, it was that cross-community work that led naturally to greater involvement in working for the wider community.

"It has been a privilege for me to work with Ulster Rugby to achieve common goals and help overcome community division.

"Aside from the obvious physical and mental health benefits, sport can bring people together and help to build a shared and integrated community, and the work of the Foundation is so important to develop the work of inclusion."

Appeal For Witnesses Following Arson Incident In Ballymena

PSNI detectives have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following a report of arson in Ballymena.

Detective Inspector McDowell said: "Just after 6.30pm on Saturday, 14th September, police received a report from our colleagues at Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service that they were attending a fire at a residential property in the Warden Square area of the town.

"Officers attended and noted that a fire had been started deliberately in the bedroom of the property, causing extensive damage to that room.

"One person were present in the property at the time but, thankfully, no injuries were reported.

Detective Inspector McDowell continued: "We are treating this attack as arson with intent to endanger life. The fire was set in a block of apartments, and the consequences of this act could have been much more serious.

"Our enquiries are ongoing and I would appeal to anyone who may be able to assist with our investigation, particularly anyone with CCTV, dashcam or other relevant footage, to contact us on 101, quoting reference 1386 of 14/09/24."

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/