Other News In Brief

Minister Called To Ensure Glenarm Residents Have Access to GP Service

The Health Minister is being urged to ensure that residents living in Glenarm, Co Antrim, have access to a GP service when the current GP retires.

Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson said: "It is regrettable that there were no applications for the Glenarm GP post, which becomes vacant at the end of March. It is essential that the residents of the area, many of whom are elderly, are not left without full medical cover. I would urge the Health Minister to ensure there are adequate arrangements in place if a permanent GP cannot be found before March."

Plans Announced To Develop New Office Accommodation In L'Derry

A number of construction jobs are to be created after the First Minister and deputy First Minister announced plans to develop new office accommodation in Ebrington, Co L'Derry.

The Department of Finance approved the Executive Office business case for the development of modern, high quality, high specification, Grade A office accommodation.

The new 62,000 sq ft office which the Executive Office is backing by investing up to £5 million will be developed above the existing underground car park on Ebrington on what is already established as a landmark site for the City.

First Minister Arlene Foster said: "This is a great opportunity for the Northern Ireland Executive to provide practical support for the business community and the North West. Developing high specification office space on a key site in Londonderry will allow potential investors to now consider the North West as a viable option. We want to create more and better jobs for the people of Northern Ireland and we must ensure the correct infrastructure is in place."

The deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness said: "This new Grade 'A' office space which could cater for up to 500 people will enable the Ebrington site to become an economic hub for job creation and economic generation.

"The new premium office space will not only create and sustain jobs in the construction phase but is an incentive for potential investors to locate here."

Serious Concerns Raised Over Decision To Sell Castlederg Police Station

Ulster Unionist MLA Ross Hussey has expressed serious concerns over the decision to sell Castlederg police station.

Mr Hussey said after consultations the public generally want the station to remain.

He said: "There remains a major terrorist threat to Northern Ireland and it is widely accepted that there is a cell based in the Strabane/Londonderry area. As such, I have felt for a very long time that an ATO unit should be based there.

"Once a police station closes it is closed, and that is that. In the current economic climate the reality is that it simply will not be replaced.

"I want to see police officers on the street in every town. Modern technology is certainly an aid to policing but nothing beats the presence of the officer on the street or in the area to prevent or reduce criminality.

"If we have to have less buildings so be it, but I firmly believe we need at least 7,500 officers on the ground but I fear this number will considerably be reduced using modern technology as the 'defence' or 'excuse' for less officers."

(CD/MH)