Other NI News In Brief

Agri Journalists Elect Officers

This week's AGM of the NI Guild of Agricultural Journalists saw the election of Robert Irwin, pictured left, FarmWeek Editor as the new Chairman. Also at the event - hosted by Dunbia Meats, Dungannon - the new NI Guild Secretary was revealed as BBC Radio Ulster Farmgate presenter Sabrina Sweeney, while Dr Tom Morrow, NI Correspondent for the Farmers' Journal, is taking over as Treasurer. Dunbia is the largest British lamb producer, the UK's second largest beef processor and has over 2,500 employees, almost 800 of them at their Co Tyrone HQ.

Just Walking The Dog... And The Horse.. And The Pony

A Co Antrim animal sanctuary specialising in equine care is hitting the road this weekend (Saturday, April 25) with a popular annual sponsored walk taking place. Starting at the Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary at 1pm, the four-mile sponsored walk is being described as a great chance for everyone - and their dogs - to support this worthy cause and many of the four-legged participants who turn out each year. Some of Crosskennan's horses and ponies also enjoy the walk which is through beautiful countryside. This year too an alternative in the form of a sponsored dog agility course and some basic instruction will be given by Ian Brown from Glandore Dog Training Club. All dogs will also be eligible to enter the Novelty Dog Show which will have several fun classes. Light refreshments will be available throughout the afternoon and all money collected from all the activities will go directly towards the care of the horses, ponies, dogs, cats and chickens at Crosskennan. See: www.crosskennanlane.org.uk

Cement Giant Shuts Down For Month

The Quinn Cement factories in Fermanagh and Cavan are to close for a month due to a drop in demand. Some 65 workers in Derrylin and Ballyconnell have been told not to return to work until mid-May. In a statement, Quinn Cement said the production of bulk cement was suspended because storage facilities at the plant had reached full capacity. Production of bagged cement is continuing as normal. The company said all jobs at the plants were secure.

Repossession Alert From SF

A Sinn Féin MLA and spokesperson on Housing, wants the Social Development Minister to explain why house repossession have increased by 64% locally compared to 4% in England and Wales. Fra McCann was speaking after the figures were revealed by the Consumer Council. "It is absolutely staggering to see that house repossessions have risen by a massive 64% whereas the figures only rose by 4% in England and Wales." He said that the Minster announced the introduction of a mortgage support scheme and noted: "If the Homeowners scheme can stop one person from loosing their home then it could be beneficial but with the absence of a local mortgage rescue scheme then things will get worse. The Minister needs to very clearly spell out her plan of action, if she has one."

Cross Border Travel To Cost More

Fares on cross-border transport services are set to increase by at least 10% from Monday 4 May. Enterprise rail tickets will cost 10% more, while coach journeys are set to go up by 13%. NI Railways fares will also be increased by an average of 3%, while Ulsterbus and Goldline fares will go up by 2%. Metro cash fares are to go up by 10p per journey, but Metro Smartlink multi-journeys are to remain the same.

Downpatrick Arts Centre Face Lift Plans Lodged

Plans to develop Down Arts Centre in Downpatrick have been lodged by the district council. It is believed the proposed scheme will involve internal alterations as well as an extension, which have been described as 'ambitious'. Work on the Irish Street building will see an adjoining property on Scotch Street incorporated into the facility. This premises was purchased by the council some times back. Development plans include provisions for new toilets, showers and moving the reception area, in addition to new dressing rooms. It is also envisaged that the main auditorium will undergo a complete face lift, with new ceilings and lighting installed.

Portrush Crash Driver Held

A man has been arrested after a pedestrian was struck by a car in Portrush. The pedestrian was taken to hospital following the incident on East Strand at 7.15pm on Wednesday. His injuries are not thought to be life-threatening. A short time later police received reports a car had struck a vehicle at Eglinton Street in the town. Just before 8pm, a car left the road four miles away at Ballytober and a man in his 30s was arrested at the scene.

Volunteer Grants Launched

The NI Social Development Minster Margaret Ritchie has announced funding of £330,000 to be made available as small grants to support volunteers in small local organisations. The Minister made the announcement during her speech at a conference organised by the Voluntary Service Bureau. The funding is an increase of £130,000 on the amount provided for small grants last year. She was addressing the 'Creative Extremists' conference delegates on the theme of 'Active Citizenship' including David Blunkett MP and Government representatives from across the British Isles.

(BMcC/JM)