20/05/2016

Other News In Brief

Man Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

A man has been convicted for claiming benefits he was not entitled to at Newry Crown Court.

Michael Grant claimed Jobseekers Allowance and Rates totalling £19,973 while failing to declare capital. He was given a 12 months conditional discharge.

He is also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Department for Communities.

Large-Scale Solar Farm Developed In Co Antrim

Northern Ireland's first ever large-scale solar farm has been developed in Co Antrim.

Lightsource Renewable Energy established and connected the 4.83 Megawatts peak (MWp) solar farm on the Crookedstone Road.

It is now connected directly into the private network of Belfast International Airport, providing 27% of the airport's annual electricity demand.

The energy from the new solar farm will provide the airport with a source of renewable electricity, reduced energy costs and give a boost to their green credentials.

Nick Boyle, CEO at Lightsource, said: "We're delighted to announce the connection of Ireland’s first large-scale solar farm. The Crookedstone Road solar farm represents another milestone for Lightsource and demonstrates the opportunities that solar energy presents for the whole island. The unique quality of solar power is that it is scalable and can be deployed very quickly and efficiently, as demonstrated by this project. This is the new world of electricity supply, which we are calling the solar revolution. Energy intensive businesses can now choose to procure solar electricity with no hassle, and Lightsource remains at the forefront of this exciting paradigm shift."

Call For Infrastrata To Address Concerns Over Ongoing Drilling

Infrastrata has been called to address the concerns of the local community in relation to ongoing drilling at Woodburn Forest near Carrickfergus.

Sinn Féin MLA Oliver McMullan said the party remains opposed to fracking and will block any application if it comes forward.

He said: "We submitted a motion to the Assembly noting the concerns about the drilling at Woodburn.

"We are calling on the Executive to ensure such applications are not approved until assurances are secured against any negative potential impact on the water supply, environment, tourism or local communities."

(CD/MH)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

21 November 2017
Work Begins On New Solar Farm In South Antrim
Work has started on a new solar farm in south Antrim. The £7 million scheme will supply electricity to NI Water's Dunmore Water Treatment works. The work is taking place on a 33-acre site on the eastern shore of Lough Neagh and when completed will produce a peak output of 4.99 megawatts and is expected to save over £0.
05 February 2024
Budget Energy Announces 9% Electricity Price Decrease
Northern Ireland's third largest electricity supplier, Budget Energy has announced a price decrease of 9% for their domestic electricity customers on variable rates.
29 January 2024
SSE Airtricity Announces 6.3% Price Decrease
Northern Ireland's second largest electricity supplier, SSE Airtricity, has announced a price decrease of 6.3% for their electricity customers.
19 April 2013
Planning Permission Waived For Solar Panels
From May, schools, businesses and farm buildings in Northern Ireland will no longer need planning permission for solar panels. Environment Minister Alex Attwood made the announcement today.
03 September 2004
Businesses and schools urged to adopt solar power
Communities, voluntary groups, public sector organisations and small businesses have been urged to save money and use solar power through a new grant scheme from Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE).