30 March 2012

Other News In Brief

Management Of Zero Carbon Construction Projects Highlighted At CITBNI

CITB-ConstructionSkills NI and the Chartered Institute of Building recently held two free seminars designed to provide an overview of all the new environmental and sustainable construction developments which are affecting the industry at the minute and which will change the way we build in the future.

The topics covered included future building policy & legislation for change, passive house, BREEAM, retrofit, green building materials, site management, Code for Sustainable Homes, zero carbon homes, and renewable technologies. The sessions were attended by a mix of large and small contractors, CIOB members, and other interested parties whose comments included: ‘very informative’, and ‘good introduction to major changes in the industry and covered a lot in a short time’.

New Residential Facility Opens

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 £3.3 million 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.

Calling For Funds To Have Fun In The Park

Community, youth and church groups are being offered grants of up to £2,250 for events organised in parks by Belfast City Council.

However the closing date for applications for the next tranche of funding in the Parks Events Small Grants Scheme is Friday, 13 April.

Events have to be organised between July and October this year.

Chairman of the Parks and Leisure Committee, Councillor Steven Corr, said: "The scheme is designed to help groups enjoy their local parks even more by organising events in them and the council grant can go a long way towards the costs of that event.

"The scheme is open to all non-party political Belfast-based organisations and our parks staff are always available to give advice on what`s needed for a successful application."

Groups must specify how they will utilise the financial support from the council, 50 per cent of which will be provided before the event and the rest after it takes place.