Other News In Brief

Narrow Water Bridge Decision Welcomed

Sinn Féin MLA Caitriona Ruane has said that the decision today by the SEUPD to fund the Narrow Water Bridge will transform the fortunes of South Down.

Ms Ruane said: "I am delighted that the SEUPB have announced that the Narrow Water Bridge will be funded under Interreg II funding.

"I would like to congratulate everyone involved in the campaign especially the various Chambers of Commerce and the Narrow Water action group.

"This bridge has been delivered by everyone working together on a cross party and cross border basis and highlights what can be achieved by working together.

"It is now important that we look at building social clauses into the contracts so that local contractors, construction workers and suppliers can benefit from the construction of the bridge."

St Mary's Primary School Opens

Education Minister, John O'Dowd, has attended the official opening of St Mary’s Primary School in Strabane.

The new co-educational primary school opened at the start of this academic year following the amalgamation of St Mary’s Boys' and St Mary’s Girls' Primary Schools. During the visit the Minister was given a tour of the school facilities and planted a tree to mark the occasion while Monsignor Eamon Martin performed a blessing on the new school. In addition, the Minister and other invited guests were treated to a number of musical performances from the pupils.

The Minister said: “I welcome the opportunity to officially open St Mary’s Primary School, Strabane today and would like to thank the school Principal, Sandra O’Doherty for her invitation. I also want to pay tribute to the pupils for their welcome and for their excellent musical performances which were thoroughly enjoyed by all the guests here today. Their talent and enthusiasm was clear for all to see and they have been a credit to themselves, their families and their school."

'Technical Error' Is Resolved For NICS Staff

Ulster Unionist Culture spokesperson, Robin Swann MLA has ensured that all Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) staff now have access to the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland’s website after he highlighted a“technical error” which blocked staff in the Department of Social Development from accessing it.

The North Antrim Assembly Member said: "The fact that the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland’s website was blocked was something that I know baffled staff within the Department of Social Development who had tried to access it.

"After I highlighted this to the Social Development Minister, he informed me that it had been down to a 'technical error' with the security software that NICS use.

"I am pleased that this has now been rectified and all staff can now access the Orange Order’s website."

(CD)