Other News In Brief

Co Tyrone Firm Fined For Pollution Offence

Strabane Developments Limited in County Tyrone, has been fined £2,000 plus offender levy of £15 at Strabane Magistrates' Court.

On 25 February 2016 a Water Quality Inspector (WQI), acting on behalf of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) visited a housing development site at Glen Road, Strabane and observed that the discharge from the site appeared to have a high level of suspended solids.

A sample taken at the time of the incident confirmed that the discharge contained poisonous, noxious or polluting matter which was potentially harmful to fish life in the receiving waterway. The analysis of the sample confirmed that the discharge of suspended solids was greater than 87 times the consented limit. High concentrations of suspended solids in a waterway can have an abrasive effect upon the gills of fish, making them susceptible to infection, and can interfere with their respiration. In addition, suspended solids can settle out in the waterway and interfere with feeding and breeding habitats.

Park And Ride Facility In L'Derry To Be Extended

A Park and Ride facility at Castledawson Roundabout in L'Derry is to be extended.

Construction work on the £350,000 scheme started today, 28 November.

The extension will add 192 spaces, including 10 disabled spaces, to the 78 spaces that currently exist.

The proposed scheme will provide additional capacity for safe and convenient parking for those wishing to share transport or take public transport. The car park will be served by a regular bus service operating along the main A6 between Belfast and the North West, offering commuters an alternative to using the private car for their onward journey.

Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard said: "The existing Park and Ride at Castledawson has proven very popular with occupancy rates at capacity in recent months. The increased popularity of Park and Ride and Park and Share represents a major and welcome shift in many people's travel behaviour."

Funding Announced For Waterside Greenway Project

Funding of £160,223 has been secured to support phase four of the Waterside Greenway project in Londonderry.

The project will open up public access into the Gransha Estate and will connect directly with the end of the Phase three works close to the Foyle Bridge. The works include the creation of a 0.5km pedestrian and cycle path and the provision of street lighting and litter bins.

The funding has been made available to Derry City and Strabane District Council who are working in partnership with the Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT) and the Department to deliver the project.

(CD)