Other News In Brief

No Surprise At High Deprivation Levels - SDLP

SDLP West Belfast councillor Paul Doherty has said it comes as no surprise that the North has the highest levels of deprivation.

Research from Queen's University found that the level of deprivation across areas in the North stood at 25%.

It also found that the Derry and Strabane and Belfast council areas had more deprived areas than anywhere else in the North or Britain.

Councillor Paul Doherty said: "I wish I could say these figures were a surprise, but unfortunately I am confronted with the reality of poverty and deprivation every single day. From parents who are struggling to put food on the table for themselves and their kids, those who cannot afford the ridiculous costs of school uniforms or those living in pain who cannot access the healthcare they need – this is reality for far too many people in west Belfast and across the North.

"It's basic issues that push people into poverty and lead to areas becoming deprived. A lack of investment in public services, jobs and housing in places like west Belfast has directly contributed to many of the underlying problems including poor mental health and addiction which are blighting far too many lives. We’ve been raising these issues constantly over many years, but it seems that all we ever get in return is warm words.

"If it wasn't for the efforts of community groups who step up and provide services where the Executive has failed then I dread to think where we would be. We still don’t even have an anti-poverty strategy in place and until the Executive begins to take this matter seriously we won’t make any progress tackling the root causes of deprivation. With all the pressures facing people at the moment and the prospect of cuts to welfare support looming, I fear things will only get even worse."

Finnis Souterrain Reopens After Extensive Repairs And Improvements

The Finnis Souterrain, a unique archaeological site located south of Dromara in County Down, has officially reopened to the public following more than a year of extensive repairs and upgrades by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. The site had been closed for over 12 months to facilitate essential works, which were completed in September last year. Following the winter closure, the souterrain is now open for public exploration from April through to the end of September.

The improvements, funded by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency through the Environment Fund, include the replacement of entrance steps, installation of new lighting and sensors, the addition of solar panels, and the construction of stockproof fencing along the entrance path. New information panels have also been placed at the entrance gate, along with a wooden sign to guide visitors from the main road.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Pete Byrne, said: "Exploration of the Finnis Souterrain offers a special experience for visitors, as these structures are often not accessible to the public or buried and forgotten with time. The upgrades mark an important moment in the preservation and public engagement with Northern Ireland's archaeological heritage. Visitors can now once again explore this fascinating historical site, which offers a rare glimpse into the life of the Early Christian period."

Kearney Welcomes Additional Funding For Foras na Gaeilge

Sinn Féin MLA Declan Kearney has welcomed the allocation of €630,000 from the Irish Government to Foras na Gaeilge

The South Antrim MLA said: "I warmly welcome this important financial allocation which will alleviate the pressure facing Foras na Gaeilge and will allow it better to promote the language and provide opportunities for Gaeilgeoirí.

"Within the Executive, Sinn Féin has been pressing for changes that would enable the Irish Government to increase its funding allocations for North South bodies on a longer term basis.

"The DUP's consistent blockage of additional funding, provided generously by the Irish government and at no cost to the Executive, has made no sense, particularly at a time when the Executive’s resources are under enormous pressure as a result of British government austerity. The DUP’s unacceptable stance has caused deep disappointment and offence not only within the Irish language community but among all those who support parity of esteem and equality.

"This allocation is important in ensuring that Foras can continue its invaluable work in the promotion of the Irish Language which continues to grow and flourish. This funding intervention should be harnessed as an opportunity to design a fair and sustainable funding model to support the Irish language in the north."