Other News In Brief

Armagh Farmer Convicted At Newry Magistrates' Court

A farmer from Armagh has been convicted of one charge of failure to present all animals or carcasses for a tuberculosis test and eight charges of failure to notify the movement of eight bovine animals off his holding.

Kieran Burke pleaded guilty at Newry Magistrates' Court and was fined £1,000 on the first charge and received a conditional discharge on the remaining charges.

BSG Civil Engineering Completes £3m Project For NI Water

BSG Civil Engineering in Maghera has completed work to improve the Camlogh Reservoir for NI Water.

The £3million project improved the facility and has provided an enhanced recreational and tourism resource.

The scheme also included strengthening the reservoir embankment to provide extra security in the event of heavy rainfall and the construction of a valve tower to control flows from the lake.

Ronan Larkin, NI Water's Director of Finance and Regulation said: "Alongside our partners in the council, we at NI Water are delighted to announce the completion of the Camlough Reservoir project, which will enhance and improve this great community amenity.

"The NI Water team have enjoyed working in partnership with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, as well as the many stakeholders and user groups at the lake to complete this essential work, which is so important for the local community.

"As custodians of Silent Valley Reservoir, we also look forward to continuing our working partnerships with the council on Silent Valley events and contribution to the overall Newry Mourne and Down Visitor Experience."

BSG Civil Engineering was appointed the main contracto and AECOM provided project management and technical support.

Call For Needs Of Victims To Be Resolved Urgently

Alliance MLA David Ford has said the needs of victims must be resolved urgently, after meeting representatives on legacy issues.

The former Justice Minister was speaking after attending a meeting of the Victims and Survivors Forum in East Belfast. Issues raised included dealing with the past and a pension for those injured in the Troubles.

Mr Ford said: "It was valuable to hear first-hand and in person the views and opinions of victims on a number of matters and likewise, it was beneficial to put across the Alliance stance on issues such as the victims' pension. It is part of an ongoing engagement the party has with victims and I hope it is as useful for them.

"Alliance has always raised the topic of victims and survivors in the numerous talks processes over the years, and also put proposals to the DUP and Sinn Fein as part of our consideration for retaking the Justice Ministry last year. We had hoped it would resolve outstanding issues around the legacy of the past, however, they were rejected by those two parties."

(CD)