29 March 2012

Other News In Brief

Bi-Lingual Traffic Signs Will Not Be Introduced In NI 

Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has announced that bi-lingual traffic signs will not be introduced across the road network in Northern Ireland. The consultation period on a draft proposal to permit certain bi-lingual traffic signs, either in English and Irish or English and Ulster Scots, ended on 11 March 2011. The Minister said: “My predecessor initiated a consultation on bi-lingual traffic signs last year. Following the conclusion of the consultation I have decided not to introduce bi-lingual traffic signs. This policy proposal, would have resulted in extra costs and serves no operational need for Northern Ireland’s road network.” “As Roads Minister, my aim is to deliver on the agreed priorities set out in the Northern Ireland Executive’s Programme for Government where key targets have been set on investment in the strategic road network, road maintenance, public transport and water and sewerage services.” The Minister concluded: “Given the challenging economic times that we are living in, it is imperative that my Department’s limited resources are prioritised and focused on issues that will directly improve the safe and efficient use of the road network.”

New Residential Unit Opens In Derry 

Social Development Minister, Nelson McCausland and Health Minister, Edwin Poots have officially opened a new residential unit in Londonderry for adults with a learning disability. The £3.3million Ralphs Close scheme provides purpose built accommodation for 16 Western Trust patients who previously lived in Mourne House, Stradreagh Hospital. The closure of Mourne House brought an end to the many years of care of people with a learning disability within Stradreagh Hospital. The award winning facility comprises of four purpose built bungalows each accommodating four residents. Each of the 16 residents has their own individual bedroom with ensuite bathroom linked to communal kitchen, dining room and sitting room facilities. Minister McCausland said: “This is a magnificent scheme, a world away from the institutional setting that went before. Schemes like this make a huge difference to the daily lives of some of our most vulnerable people. They are a continuation of many years of inter-departmental working to shift away from long stay hospital accommodation to supported living in the community. Ralphs Close provides opportunities for residents to have a more independent lifestyle while still benefitting from continual care and support of dedicated staff."

Minister Walks Pork Supply Chain 

Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill today said that the pig industry in the north continues to play an important part in the continued growth of the local agri-food industry. The Minister was speaking as she visited a pig rearing unit and a pig processing factory in the Mid Ulster area. The Minister said: “In 2010 the pig industry contributed over £95million to agriculture’s gross output in the north and provisional figures for 2011 are £104million. These figures highlight that this sector continues to perform well even in the current difficult economic times.” The Minister outlined the challenges the pig industry currently faces. She said: “This sector has a high dependence on imported feed and the fluctuating price of finished pigs can have an adverse impact on financial performance. There are also the expectations of consumers and retailers, especially in relation to animal welfare and the environment.  “We cannot change our island geography at the edge of Europe but we can seek to ensure maximum efficiency throughout the pork supply chain. My Department’s Evidence & Innovation Strategy is currently providing research funding to the pig sector to help address many of these challenges.”  