Other NI News In Brief

Arson Man 'Guilty'

A 20-year-old Londonderry man has pleaded guilty to a charge of arson with intent to endanger life at the city's Crown Court. He will be sentenced next month for the fire at an Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall function at which up to 300 people were present. The fire at the Society Street hall happened on 16 November last year. Caolan Kavanangh, from Hampstead Park had already admitted a charge of being reckless as to whether life would be endangered. There was no defence application for bail and Kavanagh was placed back into custody pending his sentencing on 22 June.

Apprentices Boosted

The Stormont Finance Minister Nigel Dodds has spoken of his confidence in Northern Ireland apprenticeships, following further government focus on creating a sustainable local construction sector. Mr Dodds, touring the site of the new Model School for Girls in north Belfast, met three apprentices who are currently working on the project. The apprentices are undertaking general site joinery works, general brickwork and electrical installation works. The Minister said that NI Executive colleagues recognise the vital role a sustainable construction industry plays in the economy of Northern Ireland: "The new public sector client requirement for main contractors to recruit one apprentice, either directly or through the supply chain for each £2m of construction project value, will make a significant contribution."

Local TV Company Expands

Independent production company, Green Inc Film & Television, has announced three key appointments. Chris Jones has been promoted to Creative Director, Mike Reilly, takes up the new position of Head of Factual Entertainment and David Sherman will join the company's digital media department. Green Inc, based in Belfast, is a producer of quality network programming across the genres of light entertainment, factual entertainment and comedy. This recent expansion comes as a response to an increase in production output and surging interest from broadcasters dedicated to the growth of regional productions. Green Inc is currently working on productions or funded development for BBC Entertainment, Channel 4, ITV Comedy, RTE and BBC NI.

Repay Cash, Invest NI Tells Nortel

Invest NI has demanded telecoms firm Nortel repays a £7.4 million public grant after it went into administration. The government-backed body has claimed the Co Antrim company had breached a June 2006 financial assistance agreement. In March, 87 staff were paid off at its plant in Newtownabbey by the firm, which cut 3,000 jobs worldwide. In January, its UK operation went into administration after its parent firm filed for US bankruptcy protection.

Kilkeel Flats Upgrade Complete

Extensive renovation have been carried out by the Housing Executive in Kilkeel to modernise the Slieveshan Flats, as part of a £275,000 project. District Manager Jim Bagnall welcomed the completion of the work: "I am delighted to be here today to welcome our new tenants to their homes. This major improvement scheme is part of the Housing Executive's strategic approach to ensuring that our tenants have good quality, modern and comfortable homes," he said.

Focus On BBC Productions

The future of BBC productions in Northern Ireland is on the agenda at a specialist event today. The Belfast Learning Event, on May 19, at the Grand Opera House facility, offers industry staff and freelances an expert three-hour workshop centred on the latest editing techniques and will also provide for debate on Northern Ireland's future skills needs in anticipation of the expected increase in network production. Attendance at the event is free and all industry staff and freelancers are welcome. More information is available at: www.bectu.org.uk/news/220.

(BMcC/JM)