On this day in Northern Ireland news history

Health Minister Unveils Major Workforce Investment
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced a significant package of investment aimed at bolstering Northern Ireland’s Health and Social Care (HSC) workforce, with a key focus on expanding student training places, particularly for future Allied Health Professionals (AHPs).

Ulster Ladies GAA Backs 'Share The Road To Zero' Campaign
Ulster Ladies Gaelic Football Association has announced its commitment to improving road safety by officially signing up to the Department for Infrastructure's ‘Share the Road to Zero' campaign.

Ministers Welcome Start Of Strule Campus Works
The official beginning of construction for the Strule Shared Education Campus in Omagh was marked today (Thursday, 15th May) with a sod-cutting ceremony attended by First Minister Michelle O'Neill, deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, and Education Minister Paul Givan.

Police And SIA Checks In Belfast Find Security Licensing Breaches
Police in Belfast, working alongside investigators from the Security Industry Authority (SIA), conducted a number of compliance checks at licensed premises in the city on Saturday night, 10th May.

Police Investigate Suspected Arson At Strathfoyle Play Park
Police are investigating a fire that occurred at a play park in Strathfoyle last night, Wednesday 14th May, which caused damage to some of the equipment.

Man Charged In Connection With Danny McClean Murder
A 50-year-old man arrested in north Belfast on Tuesday has been charged with the attempted murder of a man in the Bell Steel Manor area of west Belfast and the murder of Danny McClean.

SDLP Calls For Ban On Smartphones In NI Schools
SDLP Education Spokesperson Cara Hunter MLA has called for a ban on smartphones in schools across Northern Ireland, arguing it is necessary to protect young people and enhance their focus on education.

Justice Minister Calls For 'Renewed Collaborative Approach'
Justice Minister Naomi Long today emphasised the critical need for a renewed collaborative approach to address challenges within the justice system, speaking at the first Correctional Research Symposium to be held in Belfast.

How Digital Microtransactions Are Shaping Everyday Spending Habits In The UK
Microtransactions have become a normal and accepted part of everyday spending across the UK. From digital games and in-app purchases to streaming platforms and subscription services, people are more comfortable than ever making small, regular payments for things they enjoy or use.

Health Minister Introduces New Electronic Blood System
Health Minister, Robin Swann, has launched a new electronic blood production and tracking system which will help improve blood safety and quality.

PSNI Appeal For Information After Aggravated Burglary In Bushmills
Detectives are seeking information following a report of an aggravated burglary which occurred at the Carnbore Road area of Bushmills yesterday, 14 May. Police received a report shortly after 10.

Alliance Urges Action To Secure ADHD Medication Supply
Alliance Health spokesperson, Danny Donnelly MLA, has urged the Minister of Health to take action to ensure the continued supply of medication such as methylphenidate for people with ADHD.

New Funding Initiative Announced To Provide More Affordable Homes
Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, has announced a funding offer to build more affordable homes for lower income tenants as part of the forthcoming Housing Supply Strategy. The Intermediate Rent scheme will provide funding through a long-term, low-interest government loan to an operator.

Appeal Issued Following Two Car Collision In Lisbellaw
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following a two-vehicle road traffic collision on the Tattygare Road, Lisbellaw. Police received a report before 6.15pm on Tuesday 14 May that a collision has taken place involving a scrambler type motorcycle and white Hyundai Tucson.

NIFRS Launches Recruitment Drive For On-Call Firefighters
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has announced that it is recruiting On-Call Firefighters across 12 stations in Northern Ireland. The stations include Ballycastle, Ballynahinch, Comber, Crossmaglen, Donaghadee, Dromore (Co.

Belfast School Extension And Community Centre To Go-Ahead
Belfast City Council's Planning Committee has approved an extension to a primary school in south Belfast and the development of a heritage and community centre in west Belfast.

Loss Of Student Nursing Places 'Will Only Create Further Problems'
Further loss of student nursing places will "only create further problems in the future", SDLP Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath has said. He was speaking after the Department of Health said places would be cut by 300 due to budgetary pressures.

Electoral Office 'Has Questions To Answer' After MLA's Postal Vote Denied
The Alliance Party has said that the Electoral Office "has questions to answer" after MLA Kate Nicholls after been told she will not be allowed to vote in the council election on Thursday (18 May) despite previously having a postal vote application accepted.

Govt Urged To Resolve Outstanding Issued Of Energy Support Scheme
The UUP has called on the UK Government to provide an update on how they will resolve all outstanding Energy Bills Support Scheme issues.

New Penalty's Introduced For Careless Driving
The Department for Infrastructure has announced the introduction of a new fixed penalty notice of £100 and three penalty points to help tackle careless driving in Northern Ireland.

DUP Leader Urges Voters To Unite Behind His Party
DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has taken to the streets in L'Derry to urge "pro-Northern Ireland voters to unite behind the DUP and strengthen his hand to finish the job".

Families Of Murdered Civil Servants Asked To Help Create Memorial
The families of civil servants killed during the Troubles have been called on to help create a suitable memorial for their loved ones. The Head of the Civil Service (HOCS), Jayne Brady, made the appeal at an event to mark the 50th anniversary of the death of civil servant, John McCormac.

Viable Pipe Bomb Discovered Outside Newtownards Homes
PSNI detectives have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following a security alert in the Ardmillan Crescent area of Newtownards on the evening of Friday, 12th May. A pipe-bomb type device was discovered at the front of a property shortly before 11pm.

City Airport Named More Punctual Airport In NI
The George Best Belfast City Airport has been named Northern Ireland's most punctual airport in 2022, by the Civil Aviation Authority.

Fresh Appeal For Information On Omagh Security Alert
The PSNI's Terrorism Investigation Unit have issued a fresh appeal for information on a security alert in Omagh last weekend.

Outrage As Plans For Historical Abuse Compensation Delayed
Political representatives in Northern Ireland have hit out at the Secretary of State Karen Bradley for pushing back the prospect of legislation to give compensation to victims of historical abuse.

Naomi Long: Alliance Best Placed To Take Third NI Seat
The leader of Northern Ireland's Alliance Party, Naomi Long MLA, has said her party is in the best position to take the third local seat in the European Elections next week.

Man Dies In One-Vehicle Co Antrim Crash
A man has died following a road crash in County Antrim. The one-vehicle collision happened on the Roguery Road in Toomebridge on Tuesday evening, 14 May.

Six Writers Awarded Places On New Playwrights Programme
The Lyric Theatre and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland have announced the recipients of the 2019 New Playwrights Programme. The six month scheme gives writers the opportunity to develop their ideas over the period with the Lyric's Literary Manager Rebecca Mairs.

Start-Up Firms Urged To Seize Chance To Win €100k
Northern Irish companies in the seed, start-up and early stages of business development, who are seeking to ramp up their funding, are being urged to enter InterTradeIreland's Seedcorn Investor Readiness competition for the chance to win a share of a €280,000 cash prize fund, with the overall winner

Balmoral Show Gets Underway
Thousands of people are set to flock to the Balmoral Show today for the opening of the farming community's biggest agri-food event of the year.

Pair Threatened At Knife Point In Belfast Aggravated Burglary
Police have launched an investigation after an aggravated burglary at a house in Belfast. The incident occurred in Cadogan Street, in the Stranmillis area of the city at around 10.15pm on Tuesday 14 May. The man entered the house and threatened two females who were inside while armed with a knife.

Dying Matters- Let's Talk About It!
The Public Health Agency is urging everyone to take the opportunity to talk openly about their wishes for future care, dying and bereavement with their loved ones.

L'Derry-Based Software Firm To Create 20 New Jobs
Up to 20 new jobs are to be created by L'Derry-based software firm, Foods Connected. The company is investing £1.7 million to generate the new positions, which will help increase its export sales and keep up with the growing demand for its services.

Northern Ireland Unemployment Rate Falls To Lowest Ever Level
The unemployment rate in Northern Ireland has fallen to its lowest ever level, according to a recent Labour Force Survey. New figures revealed the unemployment rate is 3.1% for the first quarter of 2018, lower than the UK rate of 4.2%, and down 0.8% from the last quarter.

Two People Killed In Offaly Plane Crash Named
Two people killed in a plane crash in Co Offaly have been named as pilot Niall Bowditch and seven year old Kacper Kacprzak. Mr Bowditch was believed to be in his 40s, and from Staffordshire, England. It is thought Kacper was the son of a Polish national living in Dublin.

NI Must Align With Customs Union And Single Market - Hanna
SDLP Brexit Spokesperson Claire Hanna has urged the NI Government to align with the Customs Union and the Single Market following Brexit. Ms Hanna stated: "With the June summit just around the corner, isn't it time that those obsessed with politicking and polarisation got real.

Prestigious Down Castle Listed For £2.3m
The Gilford Castle Estate in Co Down has been put on sale for the first time in more than 100 years, priced at £2.3 million. The estate will be sold as one or five separate lots. Gilford Castle spans 207 acres of land above the River Bann on the outskirts of Gilford village.

Search Continues For NI Lottery Winner
The search is continuing to find the £1 million lottery winner from Northern Ireland, after they matched the winning Millionaire Maker code in the EuroMillions. According to the BBC, the winning ticket was bought in Co Antrim on 27 April. The winning code was XJFK 54026.

North West 200 Rider Brought To Hospital Following Practice Crash
A North West 200 rider has been airlifted to hospital following a crash during an opening practice session today, 15 May. The unnamed motorcyclist was involved in an incident with another driver at the University Corner section of the course and sustained some injuries.

Hatfield Bar Reopens Following Police Search
The Hatfield Bar in south Belfast has reopened following a search operation by the PSNI and customs officers. Four PSNI land rovers, a police van and three HMRC cars arrived at the Ormeau Road site just before 12 noon on Monday, 14 May.

Steel Manufacturer To Create Over 60 New Jobs
A steel manufacturer in L'Derry is to create over 60 new jobs over the next three years. Global Equipment Spares Limited (GES) is aiming to grow its export sales six-fold. With support from Invest Northern Ireland, GES, which is located at Campsie Industrial Estate, is investing £1.

Belfast In Nashville For World Trade Week
Alderman Brian Kingston, Belfast's Lord Mayor, is leading a delegation to Belfast's Sister City, Nashville USA to coincide with World Trade Week.

Woman Injured In Petrol Bomb Attack
A woman has been injured after a petrol bomb was thrown at her house in east Belfast. The attack happened in Clara Street at around 11.35pm on Sunday, 14 May. The woman was taken to hospital with injuries o her legs, however they are not believed to be life threatening.

Warning Issued After Cyber Attack
The PSNI have issued a warning to businesses not to open suspicious emails following a cyber attack on Friday, 12 May, which affected more than 200,000 people in 150 countries.

Police Appeal After Woman Injured In Crash In East Belfast
Police are appealing for witnesses after a woman was injured in a collision between a car and a moped in east Belfast. The crash happened in the Parkgate Avenue area at around 11.25pm on Saturday, 13 May. The woman is being treated in hospital for her injuries.

Two Men Arrested After Man Chased At Knifepoint In Antrim
Two men have been arrested after a man was chased through a housing estate in Antrim at knifepoint. The incident happened in the Stiles Way area at around 7.30pm on Saturday, 13 May.

Drink Driver Arrested After Car Reports Collision
A drink driver has been arrested after a car alerted police that it was involved in a crash. The PSNI in Craigavon attended the scene and the driver was drunk. In a Facebook post a PSNI spokesperson said: "Some cars these days are pretty clever.

Pensioner Left 'Very Shaken' Following Burglary In L'Derry
A pensioner has been left "very shaken" after being threatened with a screwdriver during an aggravated burglary in L'Derry.

IFA To Withhold Information About Windsor Park
The Irish Football Association (IFA) has announced it will not disclose information in relation to the collapse of a stand at Windsor Park in south Belfast. Sinn Féin MLA Raymond McCartney has said he finds it "incomprehensive" the IFA would withhold such information.

Minister Launches StartplanetNI
An initiative designed to help high potential start-ups access early stage support and investment in Northern Ireland has been launched. Invest Northern Ireland has contributed £2.

Call For More Support For Cancer Patients
74.7% of cancer patients in Northern Ireland would have preferred to die at home, however only 38.2% did, according to a report published by Queen's University and Cancer Focus NI.

Man Charged Over Co Down Assault
Police have charged a man with three counts of sexual assault. One of the charges related to an assault in Bangor on 13 May. A woman was walking down a road in south-east Bangor when the man approached her from behind and assaulted her, according to the police.

Third Man Arrested Following Death Threat To Football Manager
A third man has been arrested after a threatening letter was sent to Northern Irish football manager. Greater Manchester Police have arrested a 31-year-old man on suspicion of making threats to kill. Darren Kelly, 35, was appointed Oldham Athletic manager on 5 May.

Rise In NI Passengers Using Dublin Airport
The number of Northern Ireland residents using Dublin Airport increased by 52% last year. A record 864,000 Northern Irish passengers flew in and out of the airport.

Man's Body Recovered From Bangor Marina
Police have launched an investigation after the body of a man was recovered from Bangor Marina on Wednesday, 13 May. Police received a report that a man had entered the water shortly after 10.15am. Emergency services and police attended the scene and the body was recovered from the water.

Funding Secured For Pedestrian And Cycling Facilities Upgrade
Over £570,000 in funding has been secured for a scheme to upgrade pedestrian and cycling facilities at the A2 in Bangor. The £575,000 project at Gransha Road Roundabout is scheduled to begin in June 2015.

50 Jobs Created By Antrim Trailer Firm
50 jobs are expected to be created by Toomebridge firm SDC Trailers following a £10m order from trailer rental company, Hireco Ltd. The new contract will see trailers manufactured across SDC's engineering facilities at Toomebridge in County Antrim and Mansfield in England over the next six months.

O'Dowd Praises Creative Writers At Magnet Centre
Education Minister John O'Dowd has praised sixteen young writers from the Magnet Centre in Newry, County Down, who have published an anthology of short stories and poems. The Magnet Centre is a youth organisation managed entirely by young people.

'Record Year' For Invest NI
Nearly 11,000 jobs have been promoted across Northern Ireland and over £1bn of investment secured by Invest NI over the past year, according to the body. Invest NI also said almost 18,000 jobs have been created over the last three years as a result of its support.

Baby's Nursery Burgled In L'Derry
Police are appealing for information after a baby's nursery was burgled in L'Derry. The incident occurred at Whitebridge Park off the Coshquin Road sometime between 19:30 on Tuesday and 15:30 on Wednesday.

£250k Resurfacing Announced For Newry Road
A major £250,000 road resurfacing scheme has been announced for the A25 Newry Road. The works will comprise of approximately 0.65km of carriageway resurfacing of the A25 Newry Road through Camlough village, from south of the U1583, known as Hall Road, to just beyond C217 Chapel Road roundabout.

Number On Child Protection Register Drops
The number of children listed on the Child Protection Register in Northern Ireland fell by 2% over the year to 31 March 2014, according to the latest figures released by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety.

Executive 'Failing To Support Agri-Food' - Lo
The Alliance Party European candidate Anna Lo has accused the Executive of failing to "agree a way forward to support the agri-food sector.

Pink Giro Signs Donated To Oxfam
Pink Giro d'Italia signs are to be sold in Oxfam shops across Northern Ireland, following the close of the Irish leg of the race last weekend. The Giro d'Italia is an annual cycling race held in Italy that also incorporates neighbouring countries into the route.

Co Antrim Firm Wins New £10m Manufacturing Contract
Toomebridge, Co Antrim-based firm SDC Trailers have won a new £10m contract to supply trailers to hire company Hireco. It follows the news that the company won a £1.25m contract with Saudi company Rezayat Group in February.

UTV Posts Growth In Q1 2014
UTV Media has announced growth in its British and Irish radio stations and in television for the first three months of 2014. 'Radio GB' revenues grew by 10% in the three months to March, the company said.

PSNI Warns Against NCA Block
The PSNI has warned that a block on the National Crime Agency operating in Northern Ireland could have a "detrimental impact on our ability to keep people safe".

Strabane Singer To Lead Ireland At Eurovision
A singer from Strabane, County Tyrone, is to represent Ireland at this year's Eurovision Song Context in Malmö, Sweden. Ryan Dolan is a young singer-songwriter and the only performer in the Irish semi-finals to have sung his own composition, entitled Only Love Survives.

NI Unemployment Rises
Unemployment continues to rise in Northern Ireland, with the period January - March 2013 showing a 0.3% increase on the previous quarter. The latest Labour Force Survey (LFS) shows unemployment stood at 8.1% for the period, which is up 1.4% on the rate recorded one year ago (6.8%).

Invest NI Helps Firm Develop New Hurling Helmet
Strabane-based O'Neill's Irish International Sports Company Ltd has developed a new lightweight hurling helmet, with research and development support from Invest Northern Ireland.

Balmoral Show Opens
Ireland's largest agricultural event, the Balmoral Show, opens today, celebrating its 145th anniversary. Over 500 exhibitors and up to 80,000 people are expected to attend the three-day event, which will see a range of trade exhibitions, livestock and events.

Queen's Develops Treatment For Acute Lung Injury
Researchers at Queen's University in Belfast have devised a new medicine being described as a 'magic bullet', which could become the first effective treatment for Acute Lung Injury or ALI.

Builder Guilty Of Fraud And Theft
A local builder has been found guilty of defrauding clients by taking money for materials he never produced and for work which was never completed. James Gordon, from Killyleagh in County Down, was found guilty at Belfast Magistrates’ Court today.

Sammy Wilson Visits Ravenhill Development
Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has visited Ulster Rugby's Ravenhill Stadium to observe progress on redevelopment that will deliver three new stands, new training facilities, new turn styles and terraces and increase capacity to over 18,000 spectators.

Whiskey Distilleries Planned For County Down
Two whiskey distilleries in County Down are to be approved by the Department of the Environment. Environment Minister Alex Attwood has announced that the distilleries will go ahead.

Ulster Spelling Bee Kicks Off
Almost 100 schools across Northern Ireland are taking part this week in the 2013 Ulster Eason Spelling Bee, which will see pupils test their lexiconic knowledge against words like bathysphere, bibliography and phenomenon.

Minister Considers Lowering Learner Drivers Age Limit
The Environment Minister has announced he is considering lowering the current age limit of 17 for learner drivers. Alex Attwood also said learner drivers could be allowed to drive at 70mph on motorways under radical changes to testing.

Education To Benefit From £72m Further Funding
Education will benefit from further funding allocations of £72million over the next three years following a review of the education budget.

One Person Injured In Ballymena Crash
One person has been seriously injured in a road traffic crash in Ballymena. A passing ambulance crew discovered the collision at Lisnevanagh Road at around 1.30pm. The road is currently closed and diversions have been put in place.

£800,000 Drugs Seized In Derry
SDLP Foyle MLA, Colum Eastwood, has welcomed the seizure of £800,000 worth of drugs in Derry. The discovery was made by police on the Glengalliagh Road at about 7 o'clock on Monday evening. A man has been arrested. Mr Eastwood said the size of the haul was significant.

Object Found At St Angelo Airport Not Explosive
A suspect object found at St Angelo Airport in Enniskillen on Monday evening was "nothing untoward" according to police. Army bomb experts removed the object which was found on a plane registered in England but based at At Angelo. No further information was reported.

Hydebank Governor Suspended
The governor of an NI young offender's and women's prison has been suspended. Gary Alcock was temporarily removed from his duties following concerns raised about the regime at Hydebank Wood by the prisoner ombudsman.

Group To Focus On Tackling Scourge Of Human Trafficking
Sinn Féin MLA Jennifer McCann said the increase in human trafficking in the North and throughout the whole island was an extremely worrying development.

Foster Highlights Offshore Energy Opportunities
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has encouraged local companies to grasp the opportunities offered by the offshore renewable energy sector.

Today's Children Won't Receive State Pension Until They Reach 77
Someone born today is unlikely to receive their state pension until they reach 77 according to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). Their children will be working into their mid 80s.

New Science Link Up Between NI And Kurdistan
The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) in Northern Ireland last night signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Mosul while participating on the Invest Northern Ireland trade mission to Kurdistan.

PSNI Recruitment Surges Ahead
There are a record number of applicants for the police service. Despite the violent death of the first ever member of the Police Service of Northern Ireland to be murdered, in March this year, the force has now had the biggest response to any such police recruitment campaign to date.

Flu-Hit Mexico Honeymooner 'Recovering Well'
The 'honeymoon period' has proved short-lived for one NI couple, as the first case of swine flu confirmed in the province is believed to be a newlywed groom. He had just returned from a honeymoon in Mexico, (whose flag, La Bandera de México, is pictured) before falling ill.

North West 200 'Carnival' Praised
The family-orientated atmosphere of the famous motorcycle road race, the North West 200 has come in for high-level praise.

Jobs Boost As International Merger Agreed
A Co Antrim vehicle tracking, fleet monitoring and management solutions company has announced plans to double its current workforce as it becomes part of a leading multi-base European business.

Fresh Arrest Over Massereene Barracks Murders
It has just emerged that a 44-year-old man has been arrested by detectives investigating the murders of two soldiers (pictured) at Massereene Barracks in Antrim.

Huge Fall In House Prices Revealed
Despite signs across Ireland that the recession might be 'bottoming-out', Northern Ireland's house prices have continued to fall. They plunged a dramatic 35% over the last 12 months, a survey from the University of Ulster has shown.

Stormont Lobbyists All 'A-twitter' Online
The Stormont Assembly is no stranger to ruffled feathers, but it appears the 'folks on the hill' are gradually becoming more concerned with 'tweeting' their thoughts, writes Paul Reilly.

Robinson Couple's £30k Food Expenses Claim In Focus
Northern Ireland's husband and wife parliamentary duo, Stormont First Minister Peter and Iris Robinson (pictured), claimed almost £30,000 for food expenses over a four year period, it has been revealed.

Scottish Police Commemorate NI Colleagues
Scottish police officers have been commemorating the sacrifice of their colleagues in Northern Ireland.

Minister Announces £2m Moyle Roads Investment
A £2m roads investment programme has been unveiled for the Moyle area. Transport Minister Conor Murphy (pictured) said the scheme would include the proposed £150,000 resurfacing project on 1km of road on Rathlin Island.

Fashionistas 'Stitched-up' For Waste Week
Belfast's innovative 'Black Box' venue is hosting an unusual function next month. Belfast City Council is helping 'fashionistas' everywhere tighten their belts - designer belts that is - by running the 'Stitch and Style' fashion event.

More Police Stations Closures On The Way
On top of news that police stations in Fermanagh may soon close - with border police stations at Kesh, Belleek, Newtownbutler, Belcoo and in Enniskillen earmarked for possible closure - as well as stations in the Foyle, Limavady, Strabane and Magherafelt areas also facing the axe, the Police Service

Four Questioned In Car Bomb Probe
The attempted murder of a police officer this week has now led to the arrest of four men. Police investigating the booby-trap bomb attack on the off-duty officer on Monday night made the arrests.

Derry Gang Beating Victim 'Critical'
A man remains critically ill after he was beaten by a gang of at least eight masked men in a paramilitary-style attack. Gary Jarvis and his partner Amanda Coyle were at home just before midnight on Tuesday when the gang burst in and attacked him with baseball bats.

Top Cop Launches Policing Plan For Newtownabbey
The arrival of a new police commander in one of greater Belfast's best known and most highly populated areas has been marked by the launch of a new policing plan. The PSNI's newly appointed Newtownabbey Area Commander Paula Hillman detailed the main aims of the plan.

Rangers Fans Riot As Big Screen Fails To Score
Although it's still not known if anyone from Northern Ireland was among the many arrested after trouble at last night's big Rangers match in Manchester, thousands of fans from Ulster were among the estimated 100,000 Glasgow Rangers supporters who descended on Manchester for the Uefa Cup Final.

Bangor Woman's Death Was 'Murder'
A murder inquiry is now underway after a woman was found dead in north Down. The killing of 49 year-old Margaret Finlay from the Southwell Road - who was found dead on Monday - has shocked the local community. Local MLA, Peter Weir is shocked at the news: "I'm horrified by this.

Dodds Tackles Executive Colleagues
An outspoken DUP politician has hit out at two fellow NI Executive Ministers over both education and housing.

NI Congestion Will Rise Despite Billions In Investment, Says Minister
Roads Minister Conor Murphy has said investment in an integrated transport strategy is key to a successful economy in Northern Ireland. But the Minister feels, despite multi-billion pounds worth of investment, congesting on our roads is set to rise.

Campaign Highlights Dangers On Farms
In the last 11 years, 29 farmers aged 65 years or over have been killed in farms in Northern Ireland. HSENI, in partnership with the Ulster Farmers' Union have therefore developed a campaign to raise awareness of the main issues facing older farmers.

Priest on trial over ‘child grooming’ claims
A Fermanagh priest has allegedly given thousands of pounds to a County Antrim man to help him groom an 11-year-old girl for sex. The pair – Father Jeremiah McGrath, 64 from Rosslea and Billy Adams, 38, originally from Newtownabbey - appeared today at Liverpool Crown Court.

Shotgun attack on Lisburn home
A woman has received cuts to her face following a shotgun attack at her home yesterday evening. Shots were fired at the property in the Good Shepherd Road area of Lisburn at around 11:15pm on Monday evening. It is understood one shot was fired through a downstairs window.

Ahern and Blair address UK parliament
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has joined Prime Minister Tony Blair to address the House of Commons and the House of Lords at Westminster today. He has become the first Irish leader to address a joint session of both Houses of Parliament in the Royal Gallery.

MLAs receive ‘45% pay rise’
Assembly members in Northern Ireland are set to have their office allowances increased by around 45%, sources have revealed.

NI customers should pay 'fewer bank charges'
Banks in Northern Ireland must make improvements to ensure their customers pay fewer bank charges, a report has stated.

Garda killer released from prison
One of the four-man gang who murdered Detective Garda Jerry McCabe has been released from jail. Michael O’Neill served eight years of an 11-year sentence for manslaughter at Castlerea Prison in County Roscommon.

Healy awarded Writers Association accolade
Northern Ireland and Leeds striker David Healy has been named International Personality of the Year at an awards ceremony yesterday.

Local screen industry receives £12m boost
Economy Minister Nigel Dodds announced a £12 million package for the Northern Ireland Film and Television Commission (NIFTC) in Belfast, today.

Unsigned local band to play Glastonbury
After only one year gaining rave reviews across the Irish music scene, unsigned Belfast ‘folk noir’ band The Winding Stair have been confirmed to play the Glastonbury Music Festival in June 2007. The band were personally invited to play the festival by organisers earlier this year.

Teens threatened over McIlveen murder
Police have revealed that threats have been made against the teenagers charged with the murder of Ballymena schoolboy Michael McIlveen last weekend.

NI Assembly sits at Stormont
Northern Ireland's Assembly Members are sitting in Stormont for the first time since the power-sharing body was suspended over three-and-a-half years ago.

PUP leader joins UUP's Assembly Group
Progressive Unionist Party leader David Ervine has today revealed that he is to join the Ulster Unionist Party Assembly Group when the local executive properly reconvenes.

Murder inquiry launched after Londonderry stabbing
Police in County Londonderry have launched a murder investigation following the death of a man at the centre of a major financial investigation. Patrick Fleming, 40, was fatally stabbed during a party at a flat at Hazelbank Road, Coleraine at around 3.40am on Sunday morning.

Staff absence falls but cost increases
The total number of days lost through sickness absence dropped by 4 million to 164 million days last year, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has reported.

Campaign highlights back injury risks
Preventing bad backs at work lies at the core of a major campaign by HSENI and the District Councils. During the month of June teams of inspectors and environmental health officers will be checking out workplaces across Northern Ireland to see if backs are being protected.

Twelve injured in County Down road crash
Twelve people have been taken to hospital following a road traffic incident in County Down this morning. It has been reported that an army transporter and a van were involved in the collision on the main Newcastle to Belfast road at Drumaness, near Ballynahinch, at around 8am.

Teenagers assaulted in separate attacks
Two teenage boys have been taken to hospital following separate attacks at the weekend.

Two youths released in arson inquiry
Two youths, arrested in connection with an arson attack on a school in County Down, have been released pending reports to the Public Prosecution Service.

Charles and Camilla visit NI
The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall have today arrived in Northern Ireland for a series of official engagements. The first of today’s duties involved the opening of a new £9m Regional Acquired Brain Injury Unit at Musgrave Park Hospital in Belfast.

PSNI launch helpline to combat extortion
The PSNI has set up a new telephone helpline to help tackle the problem of extortion in Northern Ireland. The helpline is aimed to provide victims of extortion with an initial easy point of contact where advice and assistance are available.

Officers injured during weekend car theft
A man and two teenagers have been charged following a road traffic collision involving a stolen vehicle that left five police officers injured at the weekend.

Northern Bank parent announces half-year £184m profit
The Northern Bank’s parent company the National Australia Group has released half-year results for its Financial Services Europe division announcing profits after tax of £184 million. The retail banking arm of the Group in Great Britain and Ireland figures revealed profits are up 2.

Calls for FRU activities to be investigated
SDLP leader Mark Durkan has called for a full public enquiry into the activities of the Force Research Unit (FRU). Mr Durkan made the call following this week's Stakeknife agent allegations in which a well-known republican, Freddie Scappaticci, was accused of being an IRA informer.

Man assaulted and kidnapped son ransomed
An 11-year-old boy was in a state of shock today after he was abducted from his Co Antrim home last night. Both the boy and his father were awoken in their Greenisland home by a gang of men who hooded and bound them before being placing the boy in the boot of the family car and being driven off.

Seven PSNI officers injured in car chase
A man has been arrested and seven PSNI officers injured after a high speed car chase in west Belfast early this morning. The incident happened at around 1.20am when a police officer approached a vehicle on the Whiterock Road.

Customs close Co Tyrone fuel laundering plant
Customs officers have dismantled an illegal fuel laundering plant in Co Tyrone in a joint operation with PSNI. The second plant to be closed down was located at premises in the Benburb area had the capacity to process around 35,000 litres of fuel per week.

Fire destroys west Belfast metal works factory
An accidental fire has destroyed a metal working factory in west Belfast. Around a dozen fire fighters were called to JH Place Metal Works in the Kennedy Way industrial estate to tackle the blaze.

Man and child die in separate road accidents
A man and child have died in separate road accidents yesterday. The man died after the motorcycle he was riding was in collision with a lorry on the Tandragee Road, Newry. The motorcyclist, who was riding a Honda motorcycle, suffered serious injuries in the collision, which occurred around 7.30pm.

Viridian's year-end pre-tax profits rise to £80m
Viridian Group’s year-end results have revealed a £50 million increase in turnover, up from £730 million in 2002 to £781 million. Profits on the back of this turnover increase were up from ££80.5 million in the last financial year to £69.8 million.

IT training programme hailed as ‘critical’ to local ‘knowledge economy’
A leading Ulster business figure has highlighted the crucial contribution of the Rapid Advancement Programme (RAP) to the development of the ‘knowledge economy’ in Northern Ireland. The RAP Programme is a technology training initiative delivered by leading technology solutions provider B.I.C.

Two cars stolen during south Belfast robbery
A man has been threatened with a hammer and a knife during a robbery at his house in the Dorchester Park area of south Belfast.

Agency urges hospitals to stub out smoking
The Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland has urged local hospitals to unite in banning all smoking from their buildings following the news that Altnagelvin provides smoking rooms for staff and patients.

Feelings boil over at water reform meeting
Water Service workers are threatening strike action following plans by the government to introduce water charges in Northern Ireland.

Cat killed in 'horrific' mutilation
Residents in north Belfast have expressed their disgust after a pet cat was mutilated in the driveway of its owner's home. The one-year-old animal was found at its owner's Deerpark Road home at around 8.30am yesterday morning with all four of the legs cut off.

CCTV scheme in Derry “exceeds expectations”
The group which runs a scheme aimed at reducing criminal behaviour and encouraging business confidence in Derry City centre has declared that the project has far exceeded their expectations.

Bloody Sunday Families walk out in protest
The Bloody Sunday families have walked out of the Saville Inquiry in Londonderry in protest at the screening of a police witness. The families said they were affronted that they had to leave the chamber in the Guildhall while the police witness was brought in to give his testimony.

News Corp reveals multi-billion pound write down
Rupert Murdoch's global media network News Corporation has announced a profits gain in the third quarter, but had to write down a massive £2.74 billion investment in the Australia-based Gemstar television during the same period.

Minister visits Lisburn Institute of Further and Higher Education
The Minister for Employment and Learning Minister, Carmel Hanna, has met with staff and students at the Lisburn Institute of Further and Higher Education as part of her continuing round of visits to colleges around Northern Ireland.

Public appeal after body found in Warrenpoint
Police have made an urgent appeal to the public to help them identity a body which was found earlier today near a golf course in County Down.

Balmoral Show receives Royal approval
The Queen has paid a visit to the Balmoral Show on the opening day of the event, which is Ireland's largest show for the agricultural sector. Based in the King's Hall in south Belfast, the Balmoral Show is taking place from Wednesday 15 to Friday 17 May.

Report praises economic role of Andor Technologies
Andor Technologies has been praised by a national report for its contribution to the economic development of Northern Ireland.

Police Ombudsman to investigate use of baton rounds
The Police Ombudsman office has confirmed that it is to investigate the use of plastic baton rounds fired as police attempted to deal with violent disturbances between rival factions in east Belfast. Serious rioting broke out in east Belfast on Tuesday afternoon in broad daylight.

Unchanged unemployment figure welcomed
Trade and Enterprise Minister Sir Reg Empey has welcomed new figures showing that Northern Ireland unemployment has remained static, with no change on the previous three months. According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) definition of unemployment, 46,000 people - 6.

Legal seminars tackle issue of pension rights
Consulting actuaries to the legal profession, Hazell Carr Collins, have set up a series of seminars for family law solicitors and barristers throughout Northern Ireland aimed at providing guidance on the complex issue of pension rights during divorce.

Royal couple attend garden party in Hillsborough
The royal couple have left the Balmoral Show in Belfast to attend Hillsborough Castle where a garden party is taking place on Wednesday afternoon.

Event celebrates achievements of adult learners
The Adult Learners Week has been described as "a highly significant period in the adult education and training calendar due to its focus on the lifelong learning agenda.

Maskey calls on police "attacks" to stop
Sinn Féin chief whip Alex Maskey has claimed that the police and British army "are going to kill members of this community" if they continue to "attack" the Short Stand area. Mr Maskey said: "The community had been under attack since Saturday.

UK sees slight rise in benefit claimants
The number of unemployed people claiming benefit in the UK has risen by 5,400 and the official unemployment rate for April stands at 3.2%.

Safeway reveal profit rise despite sales dip
Supermarket chain Safeway has announced an increase in profits despite an intensive programme of store refurbishment that has curtailed sales growth during the last six months.

Construction conference visits Northern Ireland
As part of an ongoing programme of information conferences, the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) is holding its first ever event in Northern Ireland.

Johnny Adair released from prison
The loyalist paramilitary chief Johnny ‘mad dog’ Adair, has been released from prison. The prominent Ulster Freedom Fighters (UFF) chief walked free from Maghaberry prison on Wednesday morning to a crowd of around 100 supporters who cheered as he got into a vehicle and drove away.