Other News In Brief

Health Minister Praises Firefighters Battling Wildfires

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has publicly commended the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) for their dedicated efforts in combating the recent serious wildfires across the region.

Hundreds of firefighters and support staff have been deployed to tackle gorse fires, including those in the Mourne Mountains, which have presented significant challenges over the weekend.

Minister Nesbitt stated: "The gorse fires are damaging our environment and putting significant pressure on our Fire Service which is maintaining normal service delivery while dedicating considerable resources to the wildfires. I am grateful to NIFRS for handling the response so effectively and for the tireless efforts of the fire crews who work in extreme circumstances, often in quite remote areas, to bring the fires under control and keep people safe."

He also acknowledged the crucial support provided by other NIFRS personnel: "And I know that there are many others across NIFRS who work hard behind the scenes to support the operational response. I also want to thank the Police Service of Northern Ireland whose officers have worked closely with NIFRS to put traffic measures in place and have helped residents who had to leave their homes in the affected areas."

With an amber warning for wildfires still in effect, Minister Nesbitt reiterated the NIFRS's appeal for public vigilance. He emphasised the dangers posed by these fires: "Not only are these wildfires damaging the environment and wildlife, they're also putting people's homes, farms and lives at risk. I would appeal to people to be particularly careful when it comes to fire safety, especially in the countryside. Fires like this can be prevented but only if we all do our part."

He concluded by expressing his admiration for the firefighters' dedication, saying, "I think everyone will join me in paying tribute to the bravery, commitment and determination of our firefighters as they continue to work in very difficult circumstances."

SDLP Calls For Newry Canal Regeneration

SDLP Newry councillor Killian Feehan has urged Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to capitalise on the "huge potential" of Newry Canal.

He is bringing a motion to the council on Monday evening, advocating for its regeneration.

The motion proposes that the council contact councils across Ireland and Britain with experience in waterway development, as well as UK, Irish, and European funding bodies, to explore potential support opportunities. Councillor Feehan stated: "Our failure to regenerate and invest in Newry Canal is denying us the opportunity to make the most of one of our most obvious natural resources. We have seen towns and cities across Ireland and Britain make the most of their waterways, establishing areas of natural beauty and facilities around water-based activities that can be enjoyed by tourists and local residents alike."

He believes Newry can learn from successful projects elsewhere, proposing, "There is no reason that Newry cannot learn from what has been achieved in other places and that’s why I’m proposing that we write to the likes of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Birmingham City Council and Waterways Ireland so that we can share best practice and look at developing similar initiatives here. We must also explore the funding opportunities to support this development by engaging with the Shared Ireland Unit and EU and UK funding streams."

A key element of his vision is preserving the canal's navigability. "Key to this development will be ensuring that no bridge is built across Newry Canal. The SDLP has been steadfast in our opposition to this proposal and it would severely limit our potential to develop maritime tourism."

Councillor Feehan concluded by calling for cross-party support: "There is an opportunity here to put forward an exciting vision for the future of our Newry Canal and I would urge every councillor to roll in behind our proposals so that we can deliver on the huge promise that exists to create jobs, attract tourism, enhance biodiversity and improve quality of life for local residents."

Man Arrested After Newry Stabbing

A 47-year-old man has been arrested following a stabbing incident in Newry on Sunday evening, 6th April.

Police received a report at approximately 8.40pm that a man in his 20s had been stabbed after an altercation outside a property in the Sugar Island area of the city.

Inspector Macdonald stated: "A report was received at approximately 8.40pm that a man, aged in his 20s, had been stabbed, following an altercation outside a property in the Sugar Island area of the city. Officers attended alongside colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, who provided treatment at the scene for a stab wound to the man's leg. He was taken to hospital for treatment to his injuries which are not life-threatening."

Following a short investigation, a 47-year-old man was located and arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent and possessing an offensive weapon in a public place. He is currently in police custody, assisting officers with their enquiries.

Inspector Macdonald appealed for information: "Anyone with information that could help our investigation is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1538 06/04/25."

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