Other News In Brief

SDLP Introduce New Environmental Protection Bill

A new environmental protection Private Members Bill has been introduced at Stormont by SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan.

The former Environment Minister's legislation seeks to introduce binding targets on government bodies for air, water and soil quality and biodiversity.

A public consultation on the proposals in the Environment and Nature Restoration Bill has been launched.

SDLP Foyle MLA Mr Durkan said: "The legislation we are bringing forward seeks to halt the environmental harm that has been caused to the North over the past few decades. Despite protestations to the contrary, successive Executives and AERA Ministers have failed to treat this issue with the seriousness it deserves. We were the last part of these islands to get climate legislation in place and we have seen our biodiversity destroyed, with many indigenous animals and plants at risk of extinction. The legislation also includes a duty for public authorities to actively conserve and enhance biodiversity and establish Nature Recovery Networks that seek to restore our natural environment.

"We are calling for DAERA to set both long-term and interim targets to protect our natural environment, covering water, land, air, marine and biodiversity which public authorities must meet. There will also be a set of environmental principles for all bodies to follow. Air quality is intrinsically linked to public health and the targets proposed will not only promote the preservation and restoration of the natural environment but also the protection public health through tackling air pollution which is at shockingly high levels in many parts of the North.

"These are issues that the SDLP has been highlighting for a number of years and time is running out for us to take action. We are lucky that this island is home to some of the most beautiful and breath-taking places anywhere in the world, but if we don't act now and protect our environment for future generations then it could disappear before our eyes." Alliance Calls For 'Triple Lock' On Rents To Protect Private Tenants

Alliance has called for a "triple lock" on rent increases, including a limit on rent increases to once a year, as part of a new policy package aimed at protecting private renters in Northern Ireland.

In a new policy paper, the party warned that unaffordable rent hikes, lack of security, and long delays for basic repairs are making life "miserable" for many private renters.

"For too many private renters in Northern Ireland today, life is defined by a constant fight to keep a roof over your head, spiralling rent hikes and the ever-present threat of being evicted and ending up homeless," said Strangford MLA Kellie Armstrong.

The Alliance New Deal for Private Renters calls for a range of measures, including:

• A limit on rent increases to once a year.

• An annual review of local housing allowance.

• A ban on inflation-busting rent hikes during tenancies.

• A ban on no-fault evictions.

• Capping short-term holiday lets.

• The creation of a local Housing Ombudsman with legal powers to protect renters.

"These challenges aren't new, but the Communities Minister has made no tangible progress in tackling them in over a year of being in office," said Ms. Armstrong. "He's asleep at the wheel while our private renters struggle to put food on the table and rely on emergency credit to survive between paydays."

SF Slam Those Behind South Belfast Arson

Sinn Féin MLA Deirdre Hargey has slammed those behind an arson attack on three vehicles at a south Belfast garage on Thursday evening.

The South Belfast MLA said: "This is an absolutely disgraceful attack on workers' vehicles at this garage, and I want to condemn it in the strongest possible terms.

"This store provides a fantastic service to our community and employs many local people, it is entirely wrong and uncalled for that they have been targeted in this way.

"Anyone with information on this arson should contact police to ensure those involved are swiftly brought to justice."