Other News In Brief

Two New Schools To Be Developed In L'Derry

Plans have been approved to build two new schools in L'Derry.

Approval was given for the construction of the new Our Lady of Fatima single-storey six class based Primary School, associated accommodation and external play areas in Tamnaherin.

The proposal is to combine and replace the current existing provisions of Mullabuoy and Listress Primary Schools. It will be located on lands adjacent to and North of St Mary's Slaughtmanus GAC, Ervey Road, Tamnaherin.

Approval was also granted for the development of a new school for Strabane Academy.

The plans include the provision of playing pitches, courts, floodlighting along with additional landscaping and car parking and associated site works.

Strabane Academy currently comprises a Junior School on the Derry Road and the Senior School at Liskey Road. The new school will be located on the existing Derry Road campus and this application will facilitate amalgamation onto one campus of both schools catering for 700 pupils and 70 staff.

Discussions To Be Held Over Daisy Hill Hospital In Newry

Sinn Féin MP Mickey Brady will lead a party delegation to meet with representatives of the Southern Health and Social Care Trust to discuss the future of Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry.

The Newry and Armagh MP said: "The proposals by the Southern Trust on the Emergency Department at Daisy Hill fly in the face of the commitment by my party colleague and former health minister that Daisy Hill would remain part of the acute hospital infrastructure.

"The Trust have questions to answer about why they take such a different view from the former minister and I and my party colleagues will be raising those questions at today's meeting.

"There is widespread support locally across all political parties, community groups and others for Daisy Hill hospital and we will continue to campaign collectively for it to remain as an acute hospital."

Elder Abuse Helpline To Be Launched

Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has welcomed news a service designed to help anyone concerned about the abuse of an older person is to be launched in the near future.

The Elder Abuse Response Helpline will see a team of dedicated volunteers take calls from those worried about an older person being harmed or abused.

Mr Dickson said: "As a society, we are judged by how we treat and protect our weakest members. We cannot accept the abuse or harm of anyone, particularly our elderly, who are often unable to report such incidents themselves.

"This helpline will be of assistance to give information, support and advice for those who believe abuse may be occurring, while referring them to agencies if necessary.

"Public awareness of this issue is vital and by increasing it, we can encourage those experiencing abuse or who believe it may be happening to come forward and help tackle it."

(CD)