Other News In Brief

NIFRS Responds To Halloween Incidents

Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) responded to 63 operational incidents across Halloween night.

A statement issued by the NIFRS said a number of these were bonfire-related.

"Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service has been responding to calls during the night of Halloween celebrations," said a spokesperson.

"From 6pm on 31 October 2024 – 1 am on 1 November 2024 Fire Crews responded to 63 operational incidents. Several of the incidents were Halloween related, including 16 bonfires."

The number of this Halloween's operational incidents increased by 19 from the previous year, with 44 recorded during the same period in 2023.

Additional Pathway Funding For Early Years Education

An additional £600,000 has been made available to support very young, disadvantaged and vulnerable children, Education Minister Paul Givan has announced.

The funds will go towards the Pathway Fund, which main aims include improving development of children between 0-4 years who are at risk of not reaching their full educational potential, as well as offering an enhanced, more sustainable Early Years sector.

The extra funding brings the total Pathway Fund to nearly £4.4m in 2024-25 which will help support over 10,000 children. Education Minister said: "This additional funding has enabled the Department to offer awards this year to all 175 Pathway projects which met Fund criteria. It has also allowed funded settings to receive an additional 'Sustainability Support Payment' of £1,500 or £2,000 to help with the significant rise in programme delivery costs over recent years.

"This funding increase reaffirms my Department's ongoing commitment to stabilise the early years sector and support for high-quality targeted learning for children at risk of educational underachievement."

The application process for the next round of Pathway funding for 2025/26 and 2026/27 will open at the end of November 2024.

L'Derry Police Makes Hit And Run Plea

Police in L'Derry are appealing for information after a man was struck down by a car on Wednesday, October 30.

According to a report received by the police, the incident occurred in the Madamsbank Road area where a red Astra collided with the pedestrian around 10.15pm.

The red Astra was later discovered abandoned in the Ringfort Road area.

The man, who is aged in his 30s, was treated by the Ambulance Service at the scene and his injuries are non-life threatening.

Inspector Craig said: "The Madamsbank Road was closed but has subsequently re-opened following the collision.

"Enquiries are continuing and police would appeal to anyone with information or who witnessed what happened, or who has dash-cam or other footage to contact officers on 101, quoting reference number 1663 30/10/24."