On this day in Northern Ireland news history

Navantia UK To Acquire Harland & Wolff
The future of Belfast's historic Harland & Wolff shipyard has reportedly been secured in a newly agreed deal with Spain's state-owned shipbuilder, Navantia. The deal will see Navantia UK take control of Harland & Wolff's four sites in Belfast, Appledore, Methil, and Arnish.

Timely Hospital Discharges Urged To Ease Winter Pressure
The Department of Health has urged the public to support timely hospital discharges to alleviate pressure on the health service, especially during the winter months.

HMRC App Sees Record Usage In 2024
The HMRC app has experienced its most successful year to date, with two million more people using it to access their tax information. Since its launch in 2017, over seven million people have downloaded the app, logging in to check tax codes, view annual tax summaries, and make secure payments.

PHA Urges Safe Sleep Practices For Babies Over Christmas
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding parents and carers to prioritise safe sleep practices for their babies, especially during the busy Christmas period.

Green Party Slams Decision To Allow Taxis In Belfast Bus Lanes
Allowing taxis to use Belfast city centre bus lanes has been described as an "act of desperation with little regard for the wider consequences".

Truth, Love or Promise Takes Centre Stage At 4 Corners Festival
Belfast comedian Nuala McKeever's acclaimed one-woman show, Truth, Love or Promise is set to take centre stage at the 4 Corners Festival next year.

Renewed Appeal For Information On Basil McAfee Murder
Detectives from the Police Service's Major Investigation Team have made a renewed appeal for information in connection with the murder of Basil McAfee. Mr McAfee was found dead in his north Belfast home on 20 December 2013.

Executive Urgently Needed To Implement Mental Health Strategy
The Alliance Party has called for the urgent restoration of the Executive to ensure there is adequate resourcing and scrutiny of the implementation of a Mental Health Strategy.

PSNI And DVA Conduct Proactive Safety Operation In L'Derry
The PSNI and the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) have conducted a proactive safety operation in L'Derry, as part of ongoing road safety efforts.

38-Year-Old Charged In Connection With £10m Cocaine Seizure
A 38-year-old man is due to appear before Newry Magistrates' Court charged in connection with a major drug seizure n South Armagh.

'It Is Now Time For Decisions To Be Made' – Chris Heaton-Harris
The Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Chris Heaton-Harris, has said that "it is now time for decisions to be made", following the conclusion of talks at Hillsborough.

Crusaders Strikers Sign Upcoming 16-Year-Old Midfielder
Crusaders Strikers has announced the official signing of promising young footballer, Mia Moore. The 16-year-old midfielder, renowned for her scoring prowess, joins the North Belfast team after a stellar debut senior season with Linfield, where she netted an impressive 10 goals.

NI Water Volunteers Help With Simon Community Charity Drive
NI Water volunteers have helped the Simon Community with their annual Christmas Hamper Appeal. The volunteers helped in a number of ways including donating goods, packing the hampers and delivering them to those who need it most.

Belfast City Airport Wins Prestigious AOA Award
Belfast City Airport has been named the winner of the prestigious Airport Operators Association (AOA) Airport Health and Safety Week Award (Medium Size Airport).

4 Corners Festival 2024 Unveils Programme Highlights
The annual 4 Corners Festival, set to return in February 2024, has unveiled a packed lineup of events from talks, discussions and exhibitions to music and literature.

Two Men Jailed For 18 years For Number Of Sexual Offences
Two men have been jailed for a total of 18 years at Laganside Crown Court for a number of offences including rape and indecent assault. Dennis Allen, aged 48, was sentenced to 14 years and will be placed on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely.

People Experiencing Domestic Abuse Urged To Seek Support
Following a meeting with Women's Aid, SDLP Representative for Cusher, Emmajayne McKernan has urged people to seek support this festive period if experiencing domestic abuse.

Health Care Works Deserve Fair Pay – SF
Nurses and health and social care workers should have fair pay and safe conditions, Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew has said. Speaking as nurses begin their second day of strike action, the party's health spokesperson said the British government should get on with delivering a fair pay offer.

Appeal For Information On Richhll ATM Theft
PSNI detectives have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following the theft of an ATM from a filling station on the Portadown Road, Richhill. Making the appeal, Detective Inspector Handley said: "A report was received shortly after 4.

Alliance Welcomes Appointment For New US Special Envoy
Alliance Leader Naomi Long has said she hopes the appointment of former Congressman Joe Kennedy as US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland will increase the chances of achieving the quick restoration of the institutions.

Air Ambulance NI Seeks Land For New Operational Base
Air Ambulance Northern Ireland has issued an appeal for land suitable to house a new operational base and centre of excellence for the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS). Air Ambulance NI in collaboration with Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) provide the HEMS.

New Waterfront Living Development Proposed
A major new waterfront housing development has been proposed by Belfast Harbour in the latest phase of its City Quays masterplan.

Eleven Projects Set To Be Delivered By Belfast Region City Deal
Eleven projects are set to be delivered following the allocation of funding from the Belfast Region City Deal, as Belfast City Council marks the progress made in the first year of the investment programme.

McKinney Competitions: Win A Portuguese Villa
McKinney Competitions are offering the chance to win 3-bedroom villa in Portugal.

Men Jailed For Abduction And Torture Of Kevin Lunney
Three men have been sentenced to a total of 73 years after being found guilty of abducting and torturing Kevin Lunney. In September 2019, Mr Lunney, 51, Director of Quinn Industrial Holdings (QIH), was kidnapped from outside his home in Fermanagh.

Another £75m Allocated To Northern Ireland
The UK government has awarded Northern Ireland another £75 million to help tackle the increase in Covid-19 cases. The funding is in addition to the £75m allocated to NI last week.

Woman Murdered At Her North Belfast Home
Police have issued an appeal for information following the murder of a woman in north Belfast on Saturday 18 December. The body of a 30-year-old woman was discovered at her home in Harcourt Drive. A 30-year-old man remains in police custody, arrested on suspicion of murder.

Man Shot Dead At Family Home In West Belfast
A man shot dead in West Belfast on Saturday 18 December has been named as 31-year-old Mark Hall. According to police, two gunmen approached Mr Hall's family home on Rodney Drive shortly after 4:30pm.

Drugs Worth £1.25m Seized At Larne Port
The PSNI have seized drugs worth an estimated £1.25 million at Larne Port in a multi-agency operation.

People Urged To Get Vaccine Booster 'As Soon As Possible'
The Chief Medical Officer, Professor Sir Michael McBride, has urged people to get their vaccine booster "as soon as possible" as he warns that Omicron is highly likely to be the dominant strain in NI by Christmas.

Two Men Seriously Assaulted In Bangor
The PSNI in Bangor have issued an appeal for information following an assault in the town in the early hours of Saturday morning. Two men were attacked by two other men at about 1.40am on Bridge Street in Bangor, Co Down.

New Research Projects Published On Transport Changes For Climate Action
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has announced the publication of four research projects exploring transport changes needed to help tackle the climate emergency.

Ministers Launch Minority Ethnic Development Fund
A new Minority Ethnic Development Fund (MEDF) 2022-25 has been announced by the First Minister and deputy First Minister.

21 Year-Old Charged With 386 Sexual Offences
Police have charged a man with 386 sexual-related offences.

Imprisoned Dads Give Special Gift To Children
Imprisoned dads at Hydebank Wood College have put together special packages to be delivered to their children in time for Christmas. Hydebank Wood in Belfast is a young offender's institution with inmates between the age of 18 and 21.

Pair Charged As Drug Factory Discovered In East Belfast
Two men are due to appear in court this morning, Friday 20 December, following the discovery of a drug factory in east Belfast. The pair, aged 42 and 44, have been charged with being concerned in the production of class A controlled drugs.

Appeal As House Burgled In West Belfast
Police are appealing for information after a number of items were stolen from a house in west Belfast. A property in the Glenhill Park area was entered sometime between 12.30pm and 2.30pm on Wednesday 18 December. A number of rooms were ransacked and a MacBook Pro, iPad and sum of cash were stolen.

Safe Sleeping Advice For Parents This Christmas
Ahead of the Christmas holiday period, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding parents of young babies of the importance of following safer sleep advice to reduce the risk of sudden infant death.

Future Immigration Policy Must Deliver For NI Economy
Following the publication of the 'The UK's future skills-based immigration system' White Paper, FSB NI Policy Chair Tina McKenzie has said that future immigration policy must deliver for the Northern Ireland economy and recognise regional variations across the UK.

Armed Gang Threaten Man To Leave East Belfast
A gang of men armed with baseball bats and a suspected firearm have threatened a man and ordered him to leave east Belfast during an aggravated break-in. The incident took place at a house on Island Street at around 9pm on Monday 17 December.

Ireland Ramps Up Plans For No-Deal Brexit
The Irish Government has published its Brexit contingency plan, in which it prioritised a plan for a no-deal Brexit.

Woman Beaten While Walking To Her Car In Portadown
A woman has been beaten on the head with a stick or bat while walking to her car in Portadown. The attack took place in the Lisnisky Lodge area of the County Armagh town at around 7am on Tuesday 18 December. The victim was struck from behind and fell to the ground.

Alliance Slams Restrictions On Immigration
Alliance spokesperson for the Economy Stephen Farry MLA has hit out at blanket UK restrictions on immigration and called for a more region-specific approach to the issue.

Review Launched Of Northern Ireland Neurology Services
The Department of Health (DoH) has launched a regional review of neurology services due to the "unacceptably long" waiting lists.

UUP Cautiously Welcomes Extra PSNI Funding Ahead Of Brexit
The Ulster Unionist Party has welcomed the announcement of additional funding for the PSNI as part of Brexit preparation grants, but warned the force is still falling short of recommended staffing levels.

Speaker Writes To MLAs Following RHI Speech
The Speaker of the Assembly Robin Newton has written to MLAs after First Minister Arlene Foster was allowed to make a speech about the controversial Renewable Heat Incentice (RHI) scheme on Monday, 19 December. However, the speech was not approved by deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness.

New Collaborative Growth Programme Launched
Invest NI has announced a new Collaborative Growth Programme, which provides support for groups of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) who want to work together to scope and exploit opportunities that could enhance their competitive edge.

Six Officers Injured In 'Ramming Attacks'
Six police officers have been injured in two separate attacks in Armagh. A PSNI vehicle was rammed by a van in Crossmaglen on Sunday, 18 December, and two officers were injured.

Man Sentenced To 11 Years In Prison Over Bomb Haul
A man has been sentenced to 11 years behind bars following a huge munitions and explosives haul in Kinawley two years ago.

DUP's Handling Of RHI Scheme Is A 'Shambles' - Adams
The Leader of Sinn Féin has described the DUP's handling of the botched Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme as a "shambles" Mr Gerry Adams was speaking after First Minister Arlene Foster gave a speech at the Assembly on Monday, 19 December, addressing the scandal.

Belfast Has Highest Rate Of Burglaries In The UK
Belfast has the highest rate of burglaries throughout the UK, according to a survey by Churchill Home Insurance. A total of 64 in every 1,000 homes are being targeted. The firm issued a warning to the public to keep their homes secure in the run up to Christmas.

NI Water Spends Almost £5m On Sewer Blockages In Two Years
NI Water has spent an estimated £5million in the past two years dealing with almost 40,000 sewer blockages. The firm is urging the public not to put the turkey Fat, Oil and Grease (FOG) down their sink as it will cause blockages and dispose of it in their bin.

Police Appeal Following Aggravated Burglary In North Belfast
Police are appealing for information following an aggravated robbery in north Belfast. A group of masked men, believed to be armed with weapons, robbed a property in the York Crescent area at around 10.30pm on Sunday, 18 December. Extensive damage was caused, according to the PSNI.

Call For Lagan Valley A&E Status To Be Clarified
Alliance Lisburn Councillor Stephen Martin has called on the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust to urgently clarify what they plan for Lagan Valley Hospital emergency department, following news a review on opening times is set to take place.

Man Sentenced Over Sexual Assaults
A man has been sentenced at Newry Crown Court to 14 years in prison for a series of sexual assaults in the Newry and Warrenpoint areas in 2002 and 2006.

Four Men Sentenced Over Sham Marriages
Four men have been given suspended prison sentences at Belfast Crown Court for involvement in sham marriages. A PSNI investigation uncovered "systematic abuse" of the EU immigration system in which criminals provided false documentation for work permits.

China 'Key Market' For Agri Food
Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill has said China is a "key market for agri food growth" in Northern Ireland. She made the remark following a meeting with members of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) at Stormont.

China 'Key Market' In Agri Food
Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill has said China is a "key market for agri food growth" in Northern Ireland. She made the remark following a meeting with members of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) at Stormont.

Sod Cut At Banbridge Health Village Development
The first sod has been cut in the development of a new £16m health and care and day care centre.

Casement Park Development Approved
A new stadium at Casement Park in west Belfast has been given the go-ahead. Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín said the Ulster Council of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) will now build a new 38,000 capacity stadium on the existing site on the Andersonstown Road.

Man Charged With David Black Murder
A man has been charged in connection with the murder of prison officer David Black. He is due to appear at Lisburn court on Thursday morning. Mr Black, 52, was shot as he drove to work on the M1 on 1st November. A 44-year-old man and a woman, 31, were arrested in Dublin on Thursday.

NI Tops UK Worries Poll For Money And Families
People in the Northern Ireland are more concerned about money than anywhere else in the country according to Samaritans' annual worries survey 2012.

Plane Makes Emergency Landing At Belfast City Airport
A Flybe plane has made an emergency landing at Belfast City Airport. It is believed the aeroplane had minor technical difficulties after leaving for Manchester on Wednesday night. The pilot made the decision to return to base as a precaution after 15 minutes.

Over £170,000 Of Cannabis Found In North Belfast
Police have found over £170,000 worth of cannabis at a property in North Belfast. It was discovered during a search on Clifton Park Avenue on Wednesday. No arrests were made and the property was vacant. Officers are continuing their investigations.

Two Men Arrested In Connection With Bangor Shooting
Two men have been arrested in relation to an alleged shooting in Bangor. It is believed that no-one was injured and the report came from the Springhill area on Wednesday. Police said the incident involved an off-duty police officer.

Child's Road Death Pre-Christmas 'Tragedy'
There are as yet few details of a shocking tragedy that left a child dead yesterday in south Belfast. The Alliance South Belfast MLA Anna Lo has already described the death of the five-year-old child in a car accident on Monday as a tragedy. Anna Lo MLA said: "This is a sad, sad tragedy.

Less Service 'Equals More Complaints'
NI's Police Ombudsman has been looking the level and type of complaints ledged against the PSNI. His office has today published a report 'Characteristics of police officers that attract complaints from the public'.

Attwood Backs Derry On Walls' Collapse
Around a quarter of a million pounds have been earmarked for measures to stabilise Derry walls. Last week's double collapse at Marlborough Terrace and Harding Street in Londonderry has now prompted the NI Environment Minister Alex Attwood (pictured) to approve expenditure of up to £250,000.

Jack And Sophie Top NI Kids' Names
Parents in NI are opting for short, simple names for their offspring with Jack and Sophie recorded as the most popular first names given to children whose births were registered in 2011.

Invest NI Backs Business Partnerships
Over 50 representatives from industry and academia recently attended an Invest Northern Ireland briefing session on its business-led collaboration programme.

Eco-Centre Project Gets 'Green Light'
A rural project that will incorporate a cultural, horticultural, heritage and activity centre and provide a social/educational space to support the community garden project has been granted funding.

NI Tops League At 'Skills Olympics'
Employment and Learning Minister, Dr Stephen Farry highlighted that Northern Ireland performed better than any other UK region at WorldSkills London 2011.

Euro Bank 'Serious Concerns' Over Finance Bill
The European Central Bank (ECB) has warned of "serious concerns" over legislation from the Finance Minister that will provide sweeping powers over the banking sector.

Northern Bank 'Sets Scene' For Lyric
The Lyric Theatre has announced a major funding boost as details of a five-year partnership with Northern Bank were revealed at an exclusive behind-the-scenes visit to the new theatre.

Record Low Temperatures Hit NI
With news that temperatures in Northern Ireland dipped overnight to their lowest on record, with -18C recorded at Castlederg, Co Tyrone, it is no surprise that widespread disruption continues.

Little Festive Cheer In Rasharkin Attack
Police have arrested a 25-year-old man following sectarian trouble in Rasharkin on Saturday. There was little sign of festive cheer when two men, aged 56 and 51, were injured after being assaulted by other men in the Sunnyside Drive area.

NI Surveyors Win UK Accolade
The Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI) has achieved the runner-up title in the prestigious 2010 Environment YES (Young Entrepreneurs Scheme) competition.

McCoy Is 2010 Sports Personality
The Co Antrim Grand National winning jockey, Tony McCoy has been voted the 2010 BBC Sports Personality of the Year. The 36-year-old has been the champion jump jockey 15 times and becomes the first rider to win the BBC award after claiming 41.98% of the vote.

Orange Tint To Parades Commission
A former senior Orangeman who disagreed with the loyal order's leadership has been appointed to the contentious Parades Commission in Northern Ireland. Reverend Brian Kennaway will be part of a new commission appointed by the Northern Ireland Office, which will begin operating early next month.

Dole Office To Become New Housing
The former Andersonstown Social Security Office in west Belfast is to be turned into 20 new family homes, it has been announced. Stormont Social Development Minister, Alex Attwood has said that the site of the former Andersonstown Social Security Office will be cleared for 20 new family homes.

Casement Park Transformation Kicks-Off
The Stormont Executive's approval of imaginative plans to transform Casement Park in west Belfast into an all-seater stadium has been given a warm welcome.

Gardaí To Investigate Ryan 'Drug Exposé'
The Irish police have announced this morning they will investigate allegations they "turned a blind eye" to cocaine use by the late Gerry Ryan.

NI Surveyors Win UK Accolade
The Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI) has achieved the runner-up title in the prestigious 2010 Environment YES (Young Entrepreneurs Scheme) competition.

Anglo Findings To Be Published
The Republic of Ireland investigation into the former Anglo Irish Bank Chairman, Sean Fitzpatrick, and its former Chief Executive, David Drumm, is to conclude today.

PSI Lights BBC NI Spectacular
A leading UK-based firm, Production Services Ireland (PSI), supplied lighting, video including screens and media servers, trussing and rigging to BBC Northern Ireland for the 2010 Belfast Children In Need concert staged at the city's Odyssey Arena.

Omagh Bomb Trial Returns Not Guilty Verdict
A not guilty verdict was returned in the trial of a man accused of killing 29 people in the Omagh bombing. Sean Hoey, 38, from Jonesborough, Co Armagh was cleared on a total of 56 charges relating to the 1998 bombing.

Newgrange Clock Marks Mid-winter
An ancient Irish "solar clock" have been beamed to a global audience from a tomb in Ireland. For five days around the 21 December winter solstice - the shortest day of the year - the sun shines deep into a tomb in County Meath, flooding the chamber with light.

Legion Murder Victim Named
The man who was killed last night after an incident in a local Royal British Legion Club has been named. Kevin Coiley (45) died in his Longlands Park home last night and it is understood he had been at the Whitehouse Royal British Legion club at Old Church Road during the evening.

Quinn Family Keep Up Pressure On Son's Murder Case
The parents of Paul Quinn, the young man said to have been murdered by IRA members, are now more confident the Irish Government is doing all in its power to bring the killers to justice.

Rape Allegation Ends United's Festive Cheer
A festive party for Manchester United soccer stars has turned into a nightmare for both the players and management as an allegation of rape threatens to blacken the reputation of both the team and the locally born player involved.

NI Homes Get 'Panic Rooms'
Jodie Foster's eponymous Panic Room film is set to become a reality for families in Northern Ireland. Those at risk of domestic violence could soon have panic rooms installed in their homes.

Demolition Slammed By Conservationists
The hurried demolition of fire-damaged architecturally important properties - in the seaside town of Ballycastle - has been slammed by conservationists – who fear it was an inappropriate action that was rushed through to suit a proposed hotel expansion plan.

Derry Road Upgrade Delay Feared
When the former NI Secretary of State Peter Hain announced the £250m funding for the dual carriageway between the Londonderry and Dungiven stretch two years ago local businesspeople concerned about increasing traffic problems on the main arterial route were hopeful of a resolution.

Shots fired at councillor's house
The home of an Independent Newtownabbey councillor has been attacked by gunmen. Councillor Tommy Kirkham – and Ulster Democratic Research Group member – was in the house with his son when gunmen fired shots into the house in Carnmoney. No-one was injured.

Trimble criticised over UUP talks walkout
David Trimble and the Ulster Unionist Party has been fiercely criticised for walking out of yesterday's multi-party talks at Stormont. Mr Trimble led his team out of discussions after a leaked Irish Government document revealed alleged IRA activity despite being on ceasefire.

No alternative to baton rounds says report
There is no alternative to baton rounds when it comes to crowd control, according to a government report.

Police appeal following robbery in Portadown
Police are appealing for information following a robbery shortly before 8pm last night in Portadown, Co Armagh. A woman was walking home from the town centre when a youth approached her at the junction of Church Street and Ormonde Street and attempted to grab her shoulder bag.

Man shot in hands and legs
A man who suffered gunshot wounds to his legs, ankles and hands is recovering in hospital today. The 26-year-old man was the victim of what police have described as a paramilitary-style attack in Downpatrick on Thursday.

Man dies after Ballymoney road collision
A 26-year-old man has died in hospital following a road traffic collision which happened on the Finvoy Road, between Rasharkin and Ballymoney at around 8.30pm on Tuesday December 17. It is understood the man had been driving a Renault Clio car which was in collision with a Mercedes.

Jobs axe falls at Cork plant
Up to 160 jobs could be lost in Youghal in Cork after Artesyn Technologies announced a series of global "cost reduction initiatives". As part of the move, the company's manufacturing facility in Cork will closed, as well as additional headcount reductions elsewhere.

Armed police to be placed on UK aircraft
Armed police officers are to be used on UK flights as part of the government's ongoing measures to tackle terrorist threats.

Regional business clubs set to promote growth
A series of regional small business clubs is to be established by Invest Northern Ireland with the aim of aiding companies grow faster by focusing on ways to improve profits and productivity.

Survey reveals dependence on mobile phones
A new survey has revealed that less than one-in-five mobile phone users can easily recall the numbers stored on their handset from memory.

Lifeguard involved in search for car suspects
Three people have been arrested after the coastguard became involved in the search for suspected car thieves. The incident happened during the early hours of Thursday morning when police attempted to stop two cars on the Kilkeel Road near Newcastle in County Down.

Adair parole decision is delayed
A decision on whether the prominent loyalist paramilitary Johnny Adair should be granted Christmas parole has been delayed. A High Court judge was set to decide on Thursday December 20 whether Mr Adair could spend the festive season with his family in Belfast but the decision was adjourned.

Essential local hospital improvements now possible
Minister for Health and Social Services and Public Safety, Bairbre de Brún has announced that essential equipment in a number of local hospitals will be upgraded or replaced. The Minister unveiled a range of investments for improvements in hospital services and equipment totalling some £4.

Business success relies on effective investment
According to the Department of Trade and Industry there is a positive relationship between effective capital investment (Capex) and company performance.

Don’t let the spirit spoil the festive fun
The Health Promotion Agency has issued a warning to Christmas and New Year revellers concerning the use of alcohol.

Pay increases for health professionals
The Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Bairbre de Brún, has said that she would be matching the pay awards announced earlier this week for doctors, dentists, nurses and professions allied to medicine.

First visits for Employment and Learning Minister
Carmel Hanna has undertaken her first official engagements as the new Minister for Employment and Learning. The Minister visited Lisburn JobCentre where she met with both staff and users of the extensive array of onsite services.

Datapol aims to help beat growing employee fraud
Datapol, a leading reference and screening business for employers, has recently expanded its work that aims to help stamp out growing employee fraud.

Eight men due to appear in Dublin High Court
Eight men arrested by Gardai investigating dissident republican activity in the Ireland were due to appear before the anti-terrorist Special Criminal Court in Dublin on Thursday, December 20. The men were detained when police raided a meeting in Limerick city on Monday.

Strabane vision sets example for others says Durkan
The establishment of the Strabane 2000 initiative means that the town has set an important example for others to follow, Deputy First Minister, Mark Durkan has said. Mr Durkan was speaking during a visit to Strabane when he was given an update on the initiative.

UK organisations “ill-equipped” to deal with drug abuse
Nearly half of UK organisations do not have a formal policy to tackle the problem of drug and alcohol abuse at work. This was revealed in the findings of a survey Alcohol and Drug Policies in UK Organisations, published by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

Children’s rights are priority says Durkan
Deputy First Minister, Mark Durkan has promised to protect children’s rights, meet children’s needs and include children’s voices. Mr Durkan was speaking following a meeting with Mr Olara Otunnu, the United Nations Special Representative for Armed Conflict and Children.

Barclays Bank appoint Spring as online recruitment specialists
Barclays Bank, one of the UK's largest financial services groups, have appointed IT recruitment specialist, Spring to manage the provision of IT and clerical contract and temporary staff.

PeopleMaps personality profiling goes online
Delivering on-line psychometric assessments to jobseekers a new partnership offers the world’s first commercial, end-user focused, on-line personality profiling service. The new PeopleMaps service at www.alljobsuk.

Be sure to keep the best when restructuring
Recent months have seen many companies re-structuring programmes and the collapse of Enron highlights the chaos that can be created during difficult times.

Sinn Féin to discuss Omagh report with Police Ombudsman
Sinn Féin MP for West Tyrone Pat Doherty is to meet with the Police Ombudsman on Friday. The meeting with Ombudsman Nuala O’Loan has been called in order to discuss the findings of her report in which she criticised the RUC handling of the investigation into the 1998 Real IRA bombing.