Other NI News In Brief

NI Visit For Pope?

The Secretary of State is in Rome on a brief visit following earlier support for the peace process expressed by the Vatican. Sean Woodward said that the Vatican has continued to show a strong interest in maintaining the peace process and he said he "expressed the hope that the Pope would be able to come to Northern Ireland as part of a visit". Along with Pope Benedict Mr Woodward discussed the recent murders of two young soldiers and a police officer and the attempts to undermine the peace process. "The Pope expressed his concern and deep sorrow at the attacks in March. He has clearly followed events closely and was obviously moved. We discussed the particular pain for the families and he was very concerned for their welfare," said Mr Woodward.

Animal Welfare Targeted

The Stormont Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew has met representatives of the NI Companion Animal Welfare Committee, as part of an on-going review of animal welfare legislation. This was the second time she had met the representatives of key welfare stakeholders which included The Blue Cross and the USPCA. "During the meeting, NICAWC members welcomed the fact that I expect to be in a position shortly after the summer recess, to seek Executive approval to bring forward a new comprehensive Animal Welfare Bill, which will reflect on the concerns of the many stakeholders I have heard from during my review," she said. See: Report Wildlife Crime, Urges Partnership

Derry Interface Trouble Continues

There has been further trouble at a sectarian interface in Londonderry. Tuesday's violence was the third night in a row that rival groups threw stones and other missiles at Nailors Row, close to the Bishop Street-Fountain area, however, there were no reports of any injuries. The police said they were continuing to monitor the situation for the rest of this week.

Live US Link For Schoolkids

A group of lucky schoolchildren will be carrying out research today through a live satellite link, thanks to local charity Employers for Childcare. To celebrate its 10th birthday, the charity has arranged for pupils from Oakwood Integrated Primary School in Derriaghy to use a sophisticated satellite link to interview parents in Kansas City about their experiences of childcare. The schoolchildren will talk to parents who work for Cerner, a healthcare IT company which has set up two daycare centres at its headquarters in Kansas City. Employers for Childcare runs the only comprehensive childcare helpline in Northern Ireland.

Race Ace Laid To Rest

The funeral of the motorcycle racer Mark Young, who was killed in an accident at the North West 200 on Saturday, has taken place. The 23-year-old from Millburn Park, Cookstown, was buried on Wednesday after a service at Molesworth Presbyterian Church.

Lawn Firm Announces Irish Expansion Plans

Londonderry-based Emerald Lawns has revealed plans to expand its turfgrass products across Ireland, with help from Invest NI. The investment in 'growth' by the specialist company, which is based near Eglinton, was announced by Colin Sherrard, Managing Director of Emerald Lawns, and welcomed by Invest NI Managing Director of Clients and Entrepreneurship Ian Murphy. At the heart of the new expansion is a substantial investment in the latest technology including a GPS-equipped Autostack machine for the automatic harvesting of turfgrass.

Minister Views 'Unacceptable' Housing

Northern Ireland's Housing Minister Margaret Ritchie has discussed possible improvements to 'unacceptable' social dwellings in the Parkside area of north Belfast. The area contains 93 dwellings, split between public and private ownership. Most of the houses were built in the early 1900s. Ms Ritchie's department is currently examining proposals to improve the housing conditions for all residents in the community.

(BMcC/JM)