Other News In Brief

Redevelopment Plans Get The Green Light In L'Derry

Redevelop plans at premises in L'Derry have been given the green light.

Derry City and Strabane District Council's Planning Committee approved the redevelopment of premises at 50-54 Waterloo Street to provide 19 apartments and the refurbishment of existing ground floor retail units.

Ashfield Properties NI Ltd submitted the application.

The development will include a mix of two-bedroomed and one-bedroomed apartments above the existing ground floor retail provision.

The front and rear external facades will also be refurbished and redeveloped to enhance the property.

Chairman of the Planning Committee, Councillor John Boyle, said: "This development will bring a substantial boost to the local economy and provide mixed use housing and retail in a very popular area right in the heart of the city centre."

Call For Youth Groups To Apply For Funding

Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan has encouraged youth groups to apply for the second round of Education Authority funding.

He said: "Youth providers across Belfast, including Irish language youth providers were rightly concerned after being told their funding from the Education Authority was being cut last week.

"I met with the Education Authority alongside Fra McCann to raise those concerns and secured a commitment that youth providers whose applications weren't successful could reapply for funding.

"I would now call on youth providers to get in their applications for this funding."

Environment Agency Signs MoU With Ulster Farmers' Unio

The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) aimed at building a stronger, more effective working relationship between the Agency and farming community, while supporting sustainable farming in ways that benefit and protect the environment.

NIEA Chief Executive David Small said: "Sustainable agriculture is dependent upon a healthy environment. This agreement between NIEA and the UFU shows a strong commitment from both parties to work together proactively to help farmers improve the environment in ways that support economic outcomes. It focuses on improved communication and raising awareness to ensure farmers, the custodians of the countryside, receive the necessary information to fulfil their environmental responsibilities."

The MoU contains measures which will deliver higher levels of environmental compliance, contribute to the achievement of relevant Directives and Programme for Government targets and which should increase the profitability of farm businesses through sustainable farming and innovative, resource efficient practices.

(CD)