Other News In Brief

Work To Start On Resurfacing Scheme In Carland

Work is to start on a £315,000 resurfacing scheme in Carland.

The work on the A29 Cookstown Road, Carland, is due to commence on Monday 14 August 2017.

The works, which will extend for a distance of 1.1km from the previously completed works at Carland to Agharan crossroads, are expected to be completed by Saturday, 19 August.

The investment will improve the strength and surface quality of this busy strategic road and address ongoing maintenance problems associated with the road.

Preliminary works, including upgrading the drainage system, have commenced requiring some traffic control measures along the route.

A5 Development Is 'Absolutely Critical' For Tyrone, L'Derry And Donegal - SF

The development of the A5 is "absolutely critical" for Co Tyrone, L'Derry and Donegal, according to Sinn Fein.

The Taoiseach confirmed to the party that he is "committed" that the A5 Transport Corridor is developed as soon as possible.

Sinn Féin MP Barry McElduff said: "The A5 dual carriageway will provide opportunities to the North West in terms of attracting inward investment and tourism, reducing travel times and transport costs to make this region more economically competitive.

"It will also prove vital in improving road safety along the entire route given the many lives that have been sadly lost because of the inadequacy of the single carriageway.

"I have written to the Taoiseach to meet so we can discuss the detail of the £75 million commitment he made."

UUP Condemns UEFA Ruling

The Ulster Unionist Party's Upper Bann MLA, Doug Beattie MC, has condemned a UEFA ruling that requires Glenavon FC to cover up a memorial to the Club's War dead for the duration of a UEFA Tournament.

Doug Beattie MC said: "I think it is a sad day when a Nation cannot remember its dead with dignity and in keeping with its country's traditions. UEFA should be mindful that their freedom to run an all-encompassing football competition and promote a fine sporting event, was built on the shoulders of men and women who gave their lives so that the likes of UEFA can have that freedom.

"Instead of spending their time enforcing stupid rules that encroach on a country's ability to remember their past and the sacrifice of their people, they should instead focus on the eradication of the sectarianism and racism that still blights the beautiful game in too many parts of Europe.

"Glenavon Football Club should not be made to hide their Mourneview Park memorial to our Fallen. Instead, they should be encouraged to remember those that gave their lives for freedom in the same way as all the Nations of Europe should be allowed and encouraged to promote remembrance."

(CD/LM)