26 June 2009

Other NI News In Brief

NI Soldiers Honoured

Just days ahead of the solemn commemoration of Irish soldiers who died at the WWI Battle of the Somme this weekend, it has been revealed that three Northern Ireland Royal Irish Regiment soldiers have received bravery honours from the Queen. Ranger Owens, from Portadown, received his Military Cross at Buckingham Palace yesterday from the Princess Royal for "courageous individual actions" in the face of the enemy while acting as a mentor for the Afghan National Army. Ballymoney man, Sergeant McConnell demonstrated "decisive leadership and outstanding bravery" when he led his men through a large and well-co-ordinated Taliban ambush. Captain Rainey, from Bangor, was recognised for his "distinguished leadership and tactical skill" while mentoring Afghan soldiers. See: Knockagh Remembrance Recalls Somme

Builder 'Critical' After Fall

A construction worker is fighting for his life this afternoon after falling 10 metres into an empty water tank on a Co Down building site. He is now critically ill after the fall which happened in the Ashley Drive area in Bangor at about 8.30am on Friday. It took fire crews about 90 minutes to rescue the 47-year-old man. A specialist rope rescue team and the ambulance service went to the scene. The injured man was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.

Another Case Of Swine Flu

There are now 25 confirmed cases of swine flu in Northern Ireland. The Department of Health has announced that one more case - that of a male who has recently returned from the US - has tested positive for the virus. They said that he has been given antivirals and is recovering at home. There are still 16 cases under investigation in Northern Ireland at present.

RUC Stress Claim Lost

Former RUC officers who have been claiming damages over post-traumatic stress caused by the Troubles in Northern Ireland have had their case dismissed by the Court of Appeal. More than 5,000 officers took an action alleging their management had not treated the disorder adequately. In a complex judgement, the court concluded that the officers had not established an actionable breach of duty and the court dismissed appeals in five sample cases. In the original ruling in 2007 a judge found in favour of the police management in four of five areas under consideration.

August Is For Love

It has emerged that the 8th August was the most popular day to get married in Northern Ireland last year. The fact was revealed by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency which also said that since 2001 the number of marriages increased to 8,700 in 2007 with a small fall last year to 8,500 marriages being recorded. There were 139 marriages on the 8th August 2008, compared to 100 marriages on any other typical summer Saturday. As well as the 8th August turning out to be the most popular day, August itself was also the most popular month overall to get married with over 1,400 marriages taking place. On the converse, just under 2,800 divorces were registered in Northern Ireland in 2008, a decrease on the 2007 figure of 2,900 divorces which was the highest number of divorces recorded in Northern Ireland in a single year. During 2008 there were 86 civil partnerships registered in Northern Ireland, this compares with 111 civil partnerships in 2007.

Fat People 999 Calls

The Fire Brigade in Northern Ireland has been called out 40 times in the last five years to assist obese people. According to figures released under the Freedom of Information Act, the total cost of the call-outs came to £85,297 and 2008 saw the highest number of call-outs, with 11 incidents of firefighters assisting grossly overweight people. Some had become stuck in their cars, others in their bathrooms. One case involved fire crews removing the dead body of a 39-year-old man who weighed 45 stone. The body had to be removed through the front windows of his house, using slings and salvage sheets.

Trailer Firm Wins Business

A Toomebridge trailer firm has secured major export orders in Europe, Australia and Africa. McCauley Trailers produces trailers for use in a range of sectors including construction, forestry and farming. NI Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has welcomed the news: "McCauley Trailers made valuable contacts with existing and potential customers on the Invest NI trade mission I led to the Netherlands in February," she said. That trade mission has reaped significant rewards for the business and resulted in a 50% increase in Dutch orders this year.

Work Commences On St Mary's

The first sod has been cut on the site of the new £3.5m accommodation at St Mary's primary school. The new building, which will meet the educational needs of over 200 pupils in Portglenone and surrounding areas, is due to open in May 2010. Speaking at the event, Education Minister Caitríona Ruane said: "The provision of this new accommodation, together with the facilities management and maintenance services for the next 25 years, means St Mary's will be well equipped to deliver the curriculum to many generations of pupils.

(BMcC/JM)