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.

Dermot McLoughlin claimed Jobseeker's Allowance and Rates totalling £26,876 while failing to declare excess capital. He was given a six month prison sentence suspended for two years.

Mr McLoughlin has repaid in full the money wrongfully obtained to the Department for Communities.

Translink Acquires Old Waterside Station In L'Derry

Translink has acquired the Old Waterside Station in Co L'Derry to develop the North-West Integrated Transport Hub.

The preferred site for the Hub was identified last year following a public consultation.

Translink Group Chief Executive Chris Conway said: "We are committed to making public transport Your First Choice for Travel in Northern Ireland. This major project along with our recent progress on the Derry-Londonderry Railway Line upgrade and continued investment in new bus and coach fleet demonstrate our ongoing commitment to transforming local public transport infrastructure to attract more people to use better active travel modes."

Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard welcomed the announcement.

He said: "I have previously outlined my commitment to reducing the infrastructure deficit in the west. The upgrade of the Coleraine to Derry railway line is substantially completed and this announcement is another welcome boost for public transport in the area.

"This is an important milestone for this ambitious project which will consist of new train terminus accommodation, an enhanced park and ride scheme with approximately 100 spaces and additional facilities to promote sustainable and active travel options in the region. It can be seen as part of wider plans to improve public transport in the City."

SDLP Welcomes Líofa Bursary Funding Decision

SDLP Irish Language Spokesperson Patsy McGlone MLA has welcomed the Communities Ministers decision to reverse his funding cut to the Líofa bursary that enabled children from low income families to attend An Ghaeltacht.

Minister Paul Givan confirmed he had identified funds to continue the scheme and said his decision to cut the £50,000 grant was not a "political decision".

Mr McGlone said: "We welcome that the Minister has decided to reverse this shamefully bigoted decision that should never have been made in the first place.

"The Minister's sudden and unexplained U-turn will confirm for many that his decision was a ham-fisted attempt at political positioning. It lays bare that this was first and foremost a political tactic designed to use tribal politics to distract from a DUP leader under fire or perhaps to create a bargaining chip for another backroom deal. It has backfired spectacularly.

"The DUP are positioning themselves to fight a campaign based on division and tribalism. They cannot be allowed to turn this into another orange and green election. They must answer for their scandal, arrogance and incompetence that has brought this election about."

(CD)