Other NI News In Brief

Reward For Research Cattles' Return

A £10,000 reward has been offered by the NI beef industry for information leading to the return of 19 in-calf suckler heifers stolen by rustlers from an Armagh research centre. "Unless these cattle are retrieved research critical to the future of the province's suckler herds will be delayed by at least two years," explained Harry Sinclair, Chairman of the AgriSearch Beef Advisory Committee. "This research being conducted by AFBI, the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, aims to help develop a profitable suckler cow type and these stabiliser heifers, incorporating the best traits of several breeds, are vital to this work. Thus the beef industry has agreed to put forward a £10,000 reward for information resulting in the return of these heifers to AFBI at Loughgall," he said. Anyone with information should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or their local PSNI.

Eating Disorders Unit Welcomed

The Vice Chair of the NI Health Committee at Stormont, Sinn Féin MLA Michelle O'Neill, has welcomed the announcement today by the Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey to provide an eating disorder unit. "For too long now sufferers of eating disorders and their families have had to travel for specialist care. This has at times been for long term treatment which causes upset to the person suffering, especially as many are young people and are separated from their families. Sinn Féin have lobbied the Health Minister to deliver a locally based unit and now to have the promise of one for 2010 is good news for all those who are affected by eating disorders."

Election Fraud Targeted

The Electoral Office has announced that it has introduced a range of measures aimed at detecting anyone who fraudulently attempts to obtain a postal or proxy vote for the European Parliamentary elections on 4 June. While not disclosing the full range of measures, Douglas Bain, Chief Electoral Officer said: "Around 20,000 people regularly vote by post or proxy, but some people attempt to abuse the facility. To help protect the service for those who genuinely require it and to detect those who think that they are above the law I have introduced a number of measures. These include a more rigorous system for checking applications and the use of an expert document examiner. I will not hesitate to refer to the police anyone I believe has been involved in electoral fraud," he said, when launching the new measures, yesterday.

Derry Demolition Decreed

Thirty seven flats in Derry, which were built more than 30 years ago, have been earmarked for demolition, as part of a regeneration scheme in the area. The flattening of the site is the first phase of a Housing Executive project aimed at improving living standards in the residential area. Area Manager Sean Mackie said: "We are delighted that all the residents from Glen Court and Cedar Court have been found alternative accommodation and that work is now underway on the first phase of this regeneration scheme. "The regeneration of the flats at Glen Court and Cedar Court underscores our ongoing commitment to improving housing conditions within the city and is part of our ten year Derry/Londonderry Housing Strategy."

Mossley Fishery Plans Ready

An application for the development of Mossley Dam as a trout fishery could be submitted within a matter of weeks, it has been confirmed. Netownabbey Borough Council's Development Committee has already agreed that more than £68,000 of works be progressed at the site to accommodate angling, and that Threemilewater Angling Club be given assistance with their grant application for the cost of associated capital works. The smaller pond at Mossley Mill will also be developed at a cost of more than £10,000 to facilitate use for educational projects.

Ruane Welcomes Downpatrick Consultation

South Down MLA Caitríona Ruane has welcomed the beginning of a consultation process into the regeneration of Downpatrick's town centre. NI Executive Minister Ms Ruane said: "Sinn Féin would welcome the beginning of a consultation process into the regeneration of Downpatrick’s town centre." The MLA cited the success of a similar restoration scheme - completed in Newcastle - which significantly helped regenerate the area. Ms Ruane called on all sectors of the community to come forward and voice expectations for the master plan.

(BMcC/JM)