Other News In Brief

Belfast City Hall Unveils Immersive AR Experience

Belfast City Council has revolutionised its free visitor exhibition at City Hall with the introduction of a groundbreaking Augmented Reality (AR) experience.

This innovative project, developed in collaboration with BT, brings the city's history to life through interactive digital displays across three exhibition rooms. Visitors are invited on a captivating journey by an animated seahorse from the Belfast Coat of Arms, where they'll witness the hidden river beneath the city and discover secret passageways within the walls.

The immersive experience begins in a virtual library, where flying books narrate Belfast's stories and portraits reveal hidden secrets. Visitors are then transported through time, exploring Belfast's past, present, and future through interactive 3D maps. Encounter Peggy Barclay of Sugarhouse Entry, uncover the hidden history of the city's streets, and envision a futuristic Belfast inspired by local children's imaginative drawings.

Engage in interactive street games, such as kicking a football, firing a catapult, or collecting coins as you virtually run through Belfast's streets. Create your own personalized postcards featuring Belfast's iconic landmarks and share them on social media.

This new AR experience is part of Belfast 2024, a city-wide creative celebration. It leverages cutting-edge technology, including augmented reality, projection technologies, gesture-controlled interactive gaming, and advanced wireless connectivity.

The Belfast City Hall AR experience opens on October 1, 2024 and will run until the end of March 2025. Admission is free.

Tickets can be booked in advance, or visitors can access the exhibition on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of their visit.

Young People Urged To Check For Unclaimed Child Trust Fund Accounts

Young people across Northern Ireland have been urged to check if they are entitled to claim significant savings from forgotten Child Trust Fund (CTF) accounts.

Over 670,000 young adults across the UK, including many in Northern Ireland, could have access to these funds, which were set up by the government to give young people a financial head start.

Many of these accounts, automatically opened for children born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011, remain unclaimed. The funds were designed to support young people as they reach adulthood, but many are unaware that they have a savings pot waiting for them.

Commenting, Carla Lockhart said: "Young people born between 2002 and 2011 should take the time to check if they have one of these forgotten savings accounts. This money could provide valuable support for further education, starting a career, or simply easing financial pressures during these difficult times." She added: "Parents and guardians should also help young people to check their eligibility, as many may not even realise these funds are available. It's easy to claim the money, and it only takes a few minutes via the government's online portal. Young people, or their parents, can trace lost Child Trust Fund accounts and unlock their savings by following the link below.

www.gov.uk/child-trust-funds/find-a-child-trust-fund

Alternatively, any of our representatives would be happy to assist."

Alliance Welcomes Approval of Environmental Improvement Plan

Alliance MLA John Blair has praised the new DAERA Minister for securing Executive approval of the long-awaited Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP). The EIP will serve as Northern Ireland's first Environment Strategy.

The EIP was mandated by the Environment Act 2021, which required the Department of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to publish a plan by July 2023. However, the recent collapse of the Stormont Assembly delayed its implementation.

Blair emphasized the importance of the EIP in addressing Northern Ireland's environmental challenges and ensuring a sustainable future. He commended the Minister for prioritizing this crucial issue and securing the necessary approval.

The South Antrim MLA said: "The release of Northern Ireland’s first Environmental Improvement Plan is, whilst long-awaited, a significant milestone and an important first step in restoring our natural environment.

"Funding and commitment from all departments, and across society at large, is essential to drive the change so desperately needed, and I want to commend Minister Muir for his work in ensuring its publication.

"It is unfortunate that the Environmental Improvement Plan was not published earlier, considering Minister Muir presented it to the Executive in March.

"This plan establishes a core baseline of action, giving clear direction to our departments on how to combat the decline of our natural environment. It covers a wide range of issues, including climate change, air, land, and water quality, as well as sustainable production and waste management.

"Ultimately, it will help us focus our efforts on restoring the natural environment, tackling environmental pollution, and achieving a greener economy.

"The Minister has also underscored that the plan is not a static document, but a dynamic one that requires continuous effort and commitment. To effectively implement the strategies outlined, funding and coordinated action from all departments will be necessary.

"However, one thing is clear: our natural environment cannot wait any longer. We are in the midst of a climate and ecological crisis that will lead to irreversible damage unless we act with urgency, unity and funding commitments."