Other NI News In Brief

Kelly Snubs Eames-Bradley

A senior Sinn Féin politican has added his voice to calls to scrap a plan to give £12,000 to the relatives of all those killed in the Northern Ireland Troubles. The party's Gerry Kelly was speaking on a BBC programme, Hardtalk on the recommendation made in a report compiled by a group set up to advise on how to deal with the past. Commenting on the document published by Lord Eames and Denis Bradley last month, which sparked anger from some victims' families, the Stormont Junior Minister said the proposal had caused too much controversy and that it was "a mistake".

Two Held In Mongan Killing Probe

The police have revealed that arrests have been made in relation to the murder of John Mongan in Belfast a year ago. The men, aged 42 and 45, were arrested in Fermanagh on Tuesday on suspicion of aiding offenders. Mr Mongan, 30, a member of the Travelling community, was killed at his home in Fallswater Street in front of his pregnant wife in February 2008.

Disadvantaged Targeted

The NI Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie today announced a multi-million pound funding package for Neighbourhood Renewal projects in some of Northern Ireland's most disadvantaged communities. Around £7million will be pumped into deprived communities to tackle disadvantage. Key areas to be helped include health, education and training young people. In delivering a much needed boost for disadvantaged communities, the Minister said: "I believe our communities, particularly our most disadvantaged communities, deserve the best possible services to address the inequalities they face. Even in the current recession, it is no longer good enough to talk about protecting jobs in the community and voluntary sector. My focus is squarely on service delivery; people working in community and voluntary organisations need to demonstrate that they also have that sense of purpose."

Wastewater Works For Down

Around £27m is to be invested in Co Down water and wastewater services, it has been announced. NI Water told Down District Council the funding relates to a number of schemes that are already underway or planned to commence within this financial year. The work includes a new £8m Wastewater Treatment Works for Downpatrick, a new £2m Wastewater Treatment Works for Strangford, and sewer network improvements in Downpatrick.

(BMcC/JM)