Other News In Brief

Two Men Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

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

Alexander Hamilton claimed Jobseeker's Allowance and Rates totalling £6,397 while failing to declare an occupational pension. He was given a two year conditional discharge.

Daniel McLarnon claimed Jobseeker's Allowance totalling £1,042 while failing to declare employment. He was given a two year conditional discharge.

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

Work On ICW In Co Fermanagh Complete

Work on a new Integrated Constructed Wetland (ICW) in Co Fermanagh has been completed.

The Castle Archdale site is the second ICW to be developed by NI Water.

The wetland will now be available for the public to be at one with nature, enjoying the flora and fauna as part of the beautiful surroundings.

ICWs are designed, built and operated by man but are based on processes that occur naturally within indigenous wetlands providing an environment where the interaction of the wetland and the plants cleanse the wastewater.

Sara Venning, NI Water's Chief Executive said: "NI Water is pleased to be able to improve wastewater services for customers in the Castle Archdale area through sustainable projects like this. The new ICW will deliver improved wastewater treatment, whilst creating an aesthetically-pleasing area, rich in biodiversity, and potentially an educational resource.

"The ICW solution has been developed on natural treatment processes. This is the second occasion that this method has been used in Northern Ireland and it is an important and significant step towards the development of more environmentally-friendly solutions to wastewater treatment throughout Northern Ireland."

Councillor Stephen McCann, Chairman of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, said: "It is great to hear that Castle Archdale is leading the way and this scheme is an excellent example of how the challenge of dealing with wastewater can be met using an innovative engineering approach, which provides added benefits for, and complements, the local indigenous ecosystem."

Kainos to Create New Jobs In L'Derry

Sinn Féin MP Elisha McCallion has welcomed a jobs announcement by Derry-based technology firm, Kainos.

The Foyle MP said: "The creation of these new jobs by digital platform company, Kainos, is welcome news for the city.

"These are high-end technical and consulting jobs with this global firm and will pay above the local average.

"These jobs will provide a welcome boost to the local economy and will add to the firm's existing workforce in the city.

"It is good to see companies like this expanding in the city and further establishing Derry's reputation as a digital hub."

(CD/MH)