Other News In Brief

Two People Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

Two people have been convicted for claiming benefits they were not entitled to at Antrim Magistrates' Court.

Isac Darling claimed Jobseeker's Allowance totalling £874 while failing to declare employment. He was given 150 hours community service.

Helen Brown Jobseeker's Allowance totalling £2,712 while failing to declare employment. She was given 200 hours community service and a nine month prison sentence suspended for one year.

Both are also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Department for Communities.

Lightsource Renewable Energy To Work On Antrim Solar Project

Lightsource Renewable Energy has been commissioned to work on a major solar development in Antrim.

The project will deliver over 32 MW of clean, renewable energy into the Northern Irish energy grid.

The Antrim project will create enough energy to power more than 11,000 homes.

The 32 MW solar energy scheme is made up of a network of five sites, linked by a single connection to the electricity grid. The projects, all in County Antrim, are located at Lough Road, Moira Road, Belfast Road (Nutts Corner), Knockcairn and Hillside and are each between 5 and 10 MW.

Separately, Lightsource has also commenced generating power at a new 6 MW project at Millar Farm, Antrim.

Nick Boyle, CEO at Lightsource, said: "We are delighted to complete this landmark project in Antrim. This is the most significant solar development on the island of Ireland to date. Domestically generated solar energy has an important role to play in relation to meeting Northern Ireland's energy needs."

NICS Launches Competition To Recruit Non-Executive Members

The Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) has launched a new competition to recruit Non-Executive Members of Audit Committees and Boards of government departments.

In order to promote the efficient and effective use of public money, formal structures are in place to oversee the work of each department and ensure that appropriate controls are in place.

Head of the Civil Service, Sir Malcolm McKibbin said: "This competition represents a valuable opportunity to make a real difference to the running of a government department and to ensure that public resources are managed effectively."

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 19 April 2017.

(CD)