On this day in Northern Ireland news history

Public Reminded To 'Stay Safe' At NI Water Sites
The utility company has emphasised that these sites, which include treatment works, pumping stations, and reservoirs, are not playgrounds and are operational 24/7.

Public Urged To Help Ease Winter Pressure On Health Service
The public has been urged to take steps to help ease the pressure on Northern Ireland's health and social care services this winter. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt today outlined practical ways individuals can support the system.

Finance Minister Demands Funding To Offset NI Contributions
The Finance Minister has called on the Chief Secretary to the Treasury to provide adequate funding to offset the impact of increased National Insurance contributions.

Deadline Looms for XL Bully Owners To Apply for Exemption
Owners of XL Bully dogs have less than two weeks to apply for an exemption certificate to avoid their pets being seized and facing potential legal action. The deadline for submitting online applications to local councils is midnight on December 31, 2024.

UUP Calls On Sinn Féin To 'Cooperate On Details' With ICLVR
The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has called on Sinn Féin "cooperate on details" regarding the murder of Disappeared, Columba McVeigh.

New Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner Appointed
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, has appointed David Johnstone as the new Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner. Johnstone, a former officer in the Royal Irish Regiment (Reserves), will take up the role on 1 January 2025.

People Urged To Think 'Pharmacy First' This Winter
People have been urged to think "pharmacy first" this winter, with treatment and advice on a wide range of health conditions available locally and without waiting for a Drs appointment. The Pharmacy First service covers a range of conditions including diarrhoea, head lice, mouth ulcers and thrush.

Blockade Leaves Thousands Of Workers 'High And Dry' – SF
Tens of thousands of workers have been left high and dry, facing uncertainty over pay rises as a result of a failure of leadership at the very top of the DUP, Sinn Féin MLA Conor Murphy has said.

Now Is The Time To Close A Deal – SDLP
The SDLP has said that "now is the time" for parties to close a deal to restore devolution, rescue public services and reward public sector workers with pay justice before Christmas.

PHA Continues To Encourage Vaccine Uptake
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has urged eligible people to take up the offer of the free COVID-19 and flu vaccines as soon as possible to top up their protection.

Appeal For Information On Dundonald Burglary
PSNI detectives have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following a burglary in Dundonald on Friday, 15 December. Police received a report shortly after 5.15pm on 15th December of a break in at a house in the Grangewood Road area.

Man Arrested In Connection With Dromara Assault
A 22-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a report of an assault at licenced premises at the Rathfriland Road area of Dromara.

£600 Energy Payment To Arrive In January 2023
Households in Northern Ireland will receive the £600 energy payment in January 2023, the UK government has confirmed.

New Educational Package On NI's Transformation Announced
A new educational package telling the story of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement and Northern Ireland's transformation over the past quarter century, has been announced by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris.

Police Formally Link Murders Of Sean Fox And Mark Hall
PSNI Major Investigation Team Detectives have issued a fresh appeal for information on the murders of Sean Fox and Mark Hall, having now formally linked the two murders. Detectives have released new information and images as part of a renewed appeal.

Appeal For Help To Trace The Whereabouts Of Glen Allen
The PSNI have issued an appeal for help in locating 34-year-old Glen Allen, who is currently unlawfully at large. Allen was convicted in relation to murder following an incident in June 2008 and has since breached the conditions of his temporary prison release.

Imprisoned Dads To Deliver Special Christmas To Their Children
A scheme to assist prisoners' families across Northern Ireland will see imprisoned dads at Maghaberry deliver a special Christmas gift to their children this year.

Drugs Worth £25,000 Seized In Portadown
Police from the District Support Team and Neighbourhood Policing Team in Portadown have arrested two people and seized a quantity of controlled drugs worth approximately £25,000 following a number of searches of properties in Portadown on Friday 16, Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th December.

Appeal For Information On Newtownabbey Hijacking
Police are appealing for information and witnesses following a report of a car hijacking in Newtownabbey on the morning of Sunday 18th December. A woman was driving in the Ballycraigy Way area around 7.30am when two men wearing balaclavas came out of an alleyway and stood in front of her vehicle.

Appeal For Information On Bangor Shooting Incident
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information and witnesses after a man was shot in the leg in Bangor, Co Down, on Friday 16 December.

NI's First Regional Day Procedure Centre Celebrated
The Department of Health has welcomed the success of the Regional Day Procedure Centre at Lagan Valley Hospital, stating that this facility "points the way to how health reform can deliver for patients in Northern Ireland".

Startup Fundamentals Workshop Announced
A free interactive start-up workshop for local entrepreneurs and people interested in tech start-ups is to take place next month. The Catalyst workshop provides the opportunity to hear from some of the leading tech start-ups in Northern Ireland.

Man Dies In Co Tyrone Collision
A man has died following a collision in Moy, Co Tyrone. The incident was reported to police at around 8pm on Wednesday evening, 18 December. Police said the Trewmount Road remained closed on Thursday morning. Local diversions are in place.

Stolen Car Used In Belfast Arson
A stolen car has been set alight at a filling station in Belfast, causing considerable damage as a result. Police are appealing for information following the arson attack on Rosetta Road in the early hours of this morning, Thursday 19 December.

New Lord Mayor Of Belfast Installed
Sinn Fein Councillor Daniel Baker has been instated as the new Lord Mayor of Belfast. The 37 year-old, who represents the Colin area of west Belfast, replaces his party colleague John Finucane after he was elected as North Belfast MP at last week's General Election.

Shots Fired At Family Home In Omagh
A woman and two children have been left shaken after a number of shots were fired at a house in Omagh. A family home in the Clonmore Gardens area was targeted at around 6pm on Wednesday evening, 18 December. Shots were fired through the kitchen and upstairs bedroom window of the house.

Lisburn Firm Narrowly Avoids Email Scam
A vigilant business owner from Lisburn has narrowly escaped losing £45,000 in an email scam. Police told of how the company had been invoiced for that exact amount from another legitimate firm when the fraudsters stepped in.

New Energy Strategy Progresses
A call has been launched for evidence in the development of a new energy strategy. The Department for the Economy published the Call for Evidence as a next step in tackling the climate emergency across Northern Ireland.

PSNI To Recruit 300 Officers After £16m Brexit Funding Boost
The PSNI has been awarded £16.48 million for Brexit preparations, that will fund the recruitment of over 300 officers as part of additional Treasury financial provisions. The Northern Ireland Office has confirmed the news.

Accelerator Programme For Businesses Pitching For Investment
A new Accelerator Programme has been announced to help businesses in Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon areas successfully pitch for investment The Programme offers guidance from leading industry and academic business experts who will show you how to successfully pitch for investment and engage with t

Appeal Issued For Missing County Down Man
Police are appealing for public assistance in locating a County Down man who has been missing since Monday evening, 17 December. Officers are searching for Robert Murray who is missing from his home in Portavogie in the Ards Peninsula.

Former IRA And Security Force Personnel Face Prosecution In Stakeknife Probe
Former members of the Provisional IRA, MI5 and an undercover military unit may be prosecuted as the investigation into allegations of murder by an Army agent continues.

Committee To Assess Implications For NI Of Theresa May's Brexit Deal
The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee has launched an inquiry into the implications of Theresa May's Withdrawal Agreement on Northern Ireland. The probe is set be wide-ranging but will place a specific focus on the mechanisms in place for avoiding the backstop.

Tills Stolen In Armed Robbery At County L'Derry Bar
Two tills have been stolen during an armed robbery at a bar in County L'Derry. Police are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident at a commercial premises on Anderson Avenue, Limavady, shortly before midnight on Tuesday 18 December.

Appeal For Passing Motorists In Jim Donegan Murder Investigation
Detectives investigating the murder of 43-year-old Jim Donegan outside a school in west Belfast earlier this month are appealing to motorists who were in the area at the time to come forward.

PM Urges Devolved Leaders To Pull Together In Support Of Brexit Deal
Prime Minister Theresa May is urging leaders from the devolved administrations of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales to "pull together" and back her Brexit deal.

PSNI Officer Who Punched Man In Face Cleared Of Misconduct
A police officer who punched a man in the face during his arrest has been cleared of misconduct by the Police Ombudsman's Office.

Armed Response Unit Arrest Man Outside Belfast McDonald's
Officers from the PSNI's Armed Response Unit were involved in an operation outside a Belfast fast food restaurant on Tuesday 18 December which led to the arrest of a 25-year-old man.

Winter Wonderland Cancelled In NI
A Winter Wonderland in Bangor has been cancelled after organisers issued an apology for the event falling short of expectations. In a statement, the organisers admitted they could not recover from the "negative publicity" as it failed to meet the high standards they aimed to deliver.

Suspicious Device Found In Co Fermanagh
A suspicious device has been found in Co Fermanagh. The device was discovered in Garrison and Belcoo on Tuesday, 19 December. Cashel Road has been closed from its junction with Lattone Road and the border and police are at the scene. Diversions have been put in place.

Two Men Charged After Teenager Attacked In L'Derry
Two men, aged 17 and 23, have been charged after a 16-year-old boy was assaulted in Co L'Derry. The attack happened in the Violet street area on Saturday, 16 December. The boy sustained injuries to his face and head and is currently in intensive care.

Man Stabbed Several Times In Craigavon
A man, aged in his 50s, is being treated in hospital following a stabbing attack in Craigavon. The assault happened in the Derrytrasna Lane area at around 7.40pm on Monday, 18 December.

Bulgarian Man Arrested In NI Over Murder In Native Country
A man from Bulgaria has been arrested in connection with a murder in his native country. The PSNI detained the suspect in Co Antrim on Sunday, 17 December, after a European Arrest Warrant was issued in Bulgaria.

First Minister Apologises RHI Scheme Did Not Have Cost Controls
First Minister Arlene Foster has apologised that the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme did not have cost controls. Mrs Foster said it is her "deepest political regret" as she spoke at the Assembly on Monday, 19 December.

St George's Market To Open Every Day In Run Up To Christmas
St George's Market in Belfast is to open its doors every day in the run up to Christmas.

Sinn Fein MLA Assaulted In Belfast
Sinn Fein MLA Gerry Kelly was reportedly attacked in Belfast. He sustained facial injuries after being attacked in the Cathedral Quarter area on Saturday, 17 December. A 21-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of common assault.

Joe Reilly Murder: Man Arrested
A 51-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the murder of Joe Reilly. Mr Reilly, 43, was shot at his home in the Glenwood Court area of Poleglass, west Belfast, on 20 October.

Teenager Shot In Both Legs In West Belfast
A 16-year-old boy has been shot in both legs in west Belfast. The attack happened in the Aitnamona Crescent area at around 8.50pm on Sunday, 18 December. He is being treated in hospital, however his injuries are not believed to be life threatening.

Man Dies In House Fire In Holywood
A man who died in a house fire in Holywood, co Down, has been named as Carson Quinn. The blaze happened in the East Link area on Saturday, 17 December. Mr Quinn, who used a wheelchair, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Call For First Minister To Step Aside
Northern Ireland's First Minister Arlene Foster will face a vote of no confidence on Monday, 19 December, over the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme. The SDLP is bringing the motion before the Assembly and Sinn Fein is calling for Mrs Foster to step aside.

Two Men Attacked During Burglary In South Belfast
Two men have been attacked during a burglary in south Belfast. Three men believed to have been armed with a hammer, knife and baton forced their way into a house on Melrose Street just before midnight on Saturday, 17 December.

Belfast Named 'Fairtrade City'
The first in a series of road signs proclaiming Belfast's status as a Fairtrade City has been unveiled on one of the city's main arterial routes. The sign was unveiled by the Lord Mayor, Councillor Nichola Mallon, on the Antrim Road, opposite the entrance to Belfast Zoo.

Man Injured In Belfast Shooting
A man has been injured in a shooting in west Belfast. The incident happened shortly after 9pm on Thursday (18 December). It is understood three men walked into a fast food outlet in the Falls Road area of the city and shot an 18-year-old male twice in the right leg.

Tesco Security Alert 'Elaborate Hoax'
A security alert which closed a Tesco supermarket in south Belfast has been declared an "elaborate hoax" by police. The store, located on the Newtownbreda Road had to be evacuated at around 2pm on Thursday (18 December), following the discovery of a suspicious object in the area.

£1.8m Winning Lotto Jackpot Claimed
A lottery ticket – with a jackpot of £1.8m – has been claimed. Camelot, who operates The National Lottery, confirmed that the owner of the winning ticket had come forward to claim their prize. The ticket was purchased in the Newry and Mourne District, and the total jackpot is £1,796,081.

Calls To Reform NI's Education System
The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has said improving the education system is crucial to Northern Ireland's future.

NI Water Supply Interruption 'Inevitable'
Union representatives have said interruptions to supplies, as well as slower responses to problems regarding NI's water network over the Christmas period will be "inevitable".

Minister Enhances Fermanagh's Business Base
Fermanagh's business base will be enhanced by two new economic development programmes, Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster has said. The Minister was speaking as she launched the 'Grow and Prosper' and 'First Stop Shop' programmes.

Power Restored To 10,000 Homes
Northern Ireland Electricity has restored electricity supplies to around 10,000 customers after gale force winds swept across northern and eastern parts of Northern Ireland last night.

Jack And Grace 2013's Most Popular Names
Jack and Grace have been announced as the most popular names given to boys and girls in 2013. The announcement came as the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency published its annual report on the most popular names given to newborns.

Civil Service Gender Pay Gap Narrows
There has been a narrowing of the gap between male and female salaries in Northern Ireland's Civil Service since 2012. The average basic full-time equivalent salary of female staff is now 2.2% lower than that of male staff, down from the 6.4% gap reported in 2012.

Victoria Square Bomb - Men Released
Two men arrested in connection with a bomb attack in Belfast city centre have been released unconditionally. A 34-year-old and 44-year-old were arrested in north Belfast on Wednesday.

NI House Prices To Increase By 4%
Northern Ireland house prices are to rise by more than 4% over 2014, according to a new report from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Despite the increase, Northern Ireland prices will rise least out of all the UK regions, with the north east of England just behind at 5%.

Dale Farm's New Ballymena Facility Opens
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster today officially opened Dale Farm’s new best-in-class milk and cream facility at Pennybridge, Ballymena.

Man Dies Following Incident On The M2
A man has died following an incident at the Hightown Bridge on the M2 near Belfast. Police were forced to close the motorway in both directions this morning. Police also urged drivers caught up in the delays to continue to have patience, as officers worked to get the traffic flowing again.

Unionist Forum Set Up Following Flag Dispute
A unionist forum has been set up following the dispute over flags in Northern Ireland. The forum will be chaired by First Minister Peter Robinson and UUP leader Mike Nesbitt.

Package Containing Bullets Sent To NI Politicians
Letters containing bullets have been sent to five NI politicians. Alliance Party David Ford MLA and MP Naomi Long and Geraldine Mulvenna were named on the package which was delivered to the Parliament buildings on Wednesday. The parcel was also sent to Sinn Fein's Gerry Kelly and Alex Maskey.

Changes To Be Made To Care And Support System
Northern Ireland's care and support system is coming under increasing pressure, so changes have to be made now to ensure it is sustainable in the future.

Three Arrested In Connection With David Black Murder
A man and woman in Dublin have been arrested by Gardai in connection with the murder of prison officer David Black. The PSNI also arrested another man in County Tyrone. The 44-year-old-man and 31-year-old woman are being held at Ballymun Garda station in connection with the shooting.

Second Man Sues Mauritian Police Over Michaela McAreavey Murder
A second man acquitted of the murder of Michaela McAreavey in Mauritius is seeking compensation from the island's authorities. The 27-year-old was killed at the Legends Hotel last year while she was on her honeymoon. Avinash Treebhoowoon and Sandip Moneea were cleared of the killing.

Average Gas Bills To Increase By £11 Next Year
The final determination of the Competition Commission (CC) on the price control and licence conditions for Phoenix Natural Gas Ltd (PNGL) has been published today. The CC submitted its report on 28 November to the Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation (Utility Regulator).

'Busman's Holiday' For NI Caterer
A catering lecturer at South Eastern Regional College (SERC) has recently returned from a weeklong stay at the luxurious Gleneagles Hotel.

Driver 'Tried To Murder' Car Crash Victims
Four men have been injured, two seriously, in a car 'attack' incident in east Belfast in the early hours of Monday. The Alliance East Belfast MP Naomi Long has expressed her shock after the four men were seriously injured when they were hit by a vehicle on the Lower Newtownards Road.

Two Pre-Christmas Deaths Probed By Police
With less than a week to go to Christmas, two families are facing the festive break in tragic circumstances. Two separate fatalities are being probed today with a 28-year-old man found fatally hurt at the rear of the Flagship Centre in the Bingham Street area of Bangor at about 9.30am on Sunday.

Fresh Fears Over Derry Wall Collapses
Derry's Walls are coming down - or at least partly - with fears this week of more damage to come after a 30ft section of wall in Marlborough Terrace, Londonderry collapsed causing a landslide that crushed cars.

UUP Slams Jailing Of NI Fine Defaulters
Gaol sentences are being used extensively across NI to punish those who fail to pay fines. The news has been slammed by the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) Justice Spokesperson, Basil McCrea, (pictured).

Force Used In Weekend Burglaries
There have been two more cases of burglars using force in robbing their victims - with one of those attacked at the weekend being an elderly person.

NI Trawlers Net 'Mixed Bag' In Brussels
NI fisherman may have to stay in port for even longer than previous years thanks to European Union fishing quotas - although Brussels negotiations have proved to be a mixed catch.

Sligo Family Death Probe Underway
An investigation has been launched into the deaths of three people at a house at Morgara, Gurteen, County Sligo on Sunday. Gardaí at Ballymote Garda Station said they are investigating the deaths of three members of a family after a relative raised the alarm on Sunday night.

Malone Conservation Area Guide Launched
There's a new Design Guide for Malone Conservation Area on the way which will protect the area's special architectural and historic character. The design guide also changes the boundary of the Conservation Area as originally designated in 2000.

Farry Addresses US Skills Conference
Stateside attitudes to the development of skilled, qualified workers were in focus last week when the NI Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry addressed an international skills conference in Washington.

Policing Board Gets New Chief
The Northern Ireland Policing Board has appointed a new top officer. Professor Sir Desmond Rea - the Board's Chairman - announced that Adrian Donaldson would take up the job in January.

Migrants Targeted In Road Safety Drive
A new hi-tech initiative to increase road safety awareness among migrant communities has been launched. Northern Ireland Environment Minister Sammy Wilson's pre Christmas initiative came as a result of the increasing number of foreign nationals living and working in Northern Ireland.

Parents Urged To Ensure Kids Sleep Safe At Christmas
The number of children who have been accidentally suffocated by their parents as they slept in the last six months has risen. The tragic deaths - which are up to four - were confirmed by NI's Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride, just before Christmas.

BSE Testing Age Increases
Farming Minister Michelle Gildernew has announced that the BSE testing age will increase to 48 months for all bovines from 1 January 2009. The announcement follows official confirmation from both the Food Standards Agency and Health Ministers that they agree with this change.

Rural Broadband Given A Boost
A substantial investment is set to improve broadband services in rural areas across Northern Ireland. The first two companies to be awarded financial assistance from the £1.9million Broadband Fund were announced in late December as North West Electronics and the Avanti Communications Group.

Invest NI Gets New Boss
Invest Northern Ireland has announced the appointment of a new Chief Executive. Alastair Hamilton will succeed Leslie Morrison in the top role. Mr Hamilton, who is from Northern Ireland, has over 25 years experience in the public and private sectors, most recently with BT in the UK.

Shops Bags A Green Deal For Environment
There's been a warm NI welcome for a national pledge by leading UK retailers to halve the number of carrier bags given to shoppers by spring 2009.

Cross-Border Transport Gets Green Light
The launch of a cross border rural transport pilot project in counties Fermanagh and Donegal has received a high-level boost. The Northern Ireland Transport Minister Conor Murphy and his counterpart in the Irish Republic, Minister Noel Dempsey, have jointly welcomed the initiative.

Derry Shop Fined For Dud Dvds
A North West shopkeeper has been fined a total of £200 at Londonderry Magistrates' Court for selling counterfeit DVDs.

PSNI Contracts Revealed
The Northern Ireland Policing Board has published the findings of a report on how PSNI appoints consultants and deals with contracted out services. Board Members welcomed the report which was commissioned by the Board in line with similar reviews across Northern Ireland government departments.

Two Firemen Injured Saving Farm Blaze Animals
Hundreds of farm animals have been saved from a fire at farm buildings in Co Tyrone. Two members of the fire crews have been hurt as the animals were rescued from the burning buildings near Pomeroy.

Four Arrested In Cross-Border Fuel Smuggling Inquiry
Four people have been arrested as part of a cross-border investigation into fuel smuggling. Three men and a woman were arrested in Co. Tyrone, following raids on commercial and domestic premises in Omagh, Derrylin in Co. Fermanagh and Ballyconnell in Co. Cavan.

Police Probe Hospital Baby Deaths
A second infant death at a local maternity hospital could have been avoided if steps had been taken to address the poor performance issues that came to light following an earlier tragedy.

EC Cuts On NI Fishing Catch Less Than Expected
There was a mixed 'catch' for fishermen from Northern Ireland this week with news that while major quota cuts proposed for fishermen have been averted the number of days they can spend on the Irish Sea has been reduced.

Development 'Exclusion' Zones For Airports
Property development restrictions for the area near both George Best Belfast City Airport and Belfast International have been introduced to protect those on the ground from potential airplane crashes.

PM Feared Loss Of Scottish Support In NI Tax Break Refusal
The Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, is said to be reluctant to lower corporation tax in Northern Ireland because he fears repercussions in Scotland.

Rathlin Ferry's Future Fears
Rathlin Island residents are seeking reassurances from the Department of Regional Development (DRD) on the future of its ferry connection with the mainland.

Doctors' Recruitment And Training Reviewed
A more flexible training and recruitment programme is being initiated for doctors. Assembly Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has announced what he said are significant improvements to the system to recruit doctors to train in Northern Ireland.

Building Support For Seniors' Charity Celebrations
A leading Northern Ireland construction firm has lent its support to an important charity for older people.

TUC slams Britain's 'Scrooge bosses'
The TUC has slammed Britain's ‘Scrooge bosses’ who they claim will send more than three million employees home on Christmas Day with no holiday pay, according to an analysis of official figures released today.

New Employment Equality Regulations
Recruitment specialists, Blue Arrow, have warned businesses not to be caught out by new Employment Equality Regulations.

Mixed responses to Donaldson's departure
The decision by rebel Ulster Unionist MP Jeffery Donaldson to leave the party has been welcomed by some supporters of UUP leader David Trimble.

Man arrested in connection with burglary attack
Police have arrested a man in connection with an attack on a woman at her home in Co Antrim. The woman, who is in her 50s, was attacked during a robbery at her Pond Park home in Lisburn at about 5am on Thursday. She was taken to hospital where she was treated for two fractured cheek bones.

Desmonds to finally shut factory doors
Leading textile firm, Desmonds & Sons is to finally close its factory at Newbuildings and cutting room at Springstown on Friday, with the loss of nearly 300 workers. The company last month announced it was making the closures as a result of "competitive pressures".

Mobile phone used while driving to be an offence in NI
New measures to make using a hand held mobile phone when driving an offence will come into effect in Northern Ireland on 1 February 2004. The move was announced today by Criminal Justice Minister, John Spellar and Environment Minister Angela Smith.

Nicholl remains favourite for NI job
Former Northern Ireland international, Jimmy Nicholl looks favourite to land the national team post following a meeting of the Irish Football Association on Thursday night. The only problem remaining is whether the post will be full or part-time.

Belfast born novelist to get big screen treatment
A series of movies based on the books of a Belfast born novelist are to be given the Hollywood treatment. Five books in 'The Chronicles of Narnia' series by CS Lewis will follow the Lord of the Rings film trilogy, which were shot in New Zealand.

Chancellor plans 'tax grab' warns PwC
Chancellor Gordon Brown is planning a tax assault on the payments small companies make to their owner-directors, according to business advisors PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). PwC said the measures were part of the Pre-Budget Report (PBR) speech to parliament.

Planning application sought for relocation of Rathgael
An outline planning application has been lodged this week today on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office as part of its plans for the relocation of the Juvenile Justice Centre at Rathgael.

Sports stars receive honorary degrees
Two of Northern Ireland's most popular sports stars have received honorary degrees at the University of Ulster. Peter Canavan, captain of the 2003 All Ireland champions, Tyrone Gaelic Football team, received the honorary degree of Doctor of the University in recognition of his services to sport.

Minister announces Youth Conferencing Service
Criminal Justice Minister John Spellar today announced the introduction of a pilot Youth Conferencing Service for young people who plead guilty or are found guilty of an offence.

Christmas appeal hopes to trace Baby Carrie's mother
Police investigating the murder of a newborn baby in the outskirts of Belfast earlier this year have taken the unusual step of hand-delivering over 1,000 Christmas cards to homes in Carryduff in a fresh attempt to trace the baby's mother.

Criminal justice watchdog to be appointed
The government is to appoint an independent Justice Oversight Commissioner to monitor the implementation of the Criminal Justice Review in Northern Ireland.

NITB 'deficiencies' will be addressed says Pearson
Finance Minister Ian Pearson has welcomed a report by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) into the activities and running of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) and said he was "adamant" that the organisation's "deficiencies" would be addressed.

Murphy calls for 'mutual trust' between communities
Northern Ireland Secretary of State Paul Murphy has been stressing the need to achieve peace and friendship across the island of Ireland during a seasonal visit to the Republic.

NI disability support groups win funding awards
A further seven local organisations have been successful in their bids for United Kingdom-wide funding to support projects during the coming European Year of People with Disabilities.

House damaged in pipe bomb attack
A house in north Belfast damaged last night following a pipe bomb explosion. At around 2.15am, the pipe bomb-type device exploded at the front door of a house on Glenpark Court in the Oldpark area. A man, a woman and two six-year-old boys in the house at the time were uninjured.

Telemarketing company starts up in Claudy
A telemarketing and data management company has been set up in Claudy with the help of the Growth Start Programme run by Invest Northern Ireland.

Teenager attacked at north Belfast flat
An 18-year-old has been attacked in his Antrim Road home in north Belfast. The attack took place on Wednesday evening when the victim awoke after hearing banging on the front door of his flat.

Religious gap in Northern Ireland ‘closing’: census
Statistics from the long-awaited 2001 census in Northern Ireland has shown a decline in the number of Protestants to around 53% of the population with Catholics now comprising nearly 44%. The figures were released today by the Northern Ireland Statistic and Research Agency in Belfast.

Taxi driver survives gun attack
A taxi driver has escaped injury following a shooting incident in south Belfast last night. The attack happened at the junction of Egmont Gardens and Utility Walk in south Belfast shortly before 3am.

Leading loyalist in Finucane case disappears
A leading loyalist from Belfast who was being questioned by the Stevens team investigating the murder of Pat Finucane has reportedly gone missing from his home. Ken Barrett allegedly disappeared at the weekend but news only emerged on Tuesday December 18 of his disappearance.

President Bush praises peace process
United States President George Bush has praised the peace process, hailing it and the people of Northern Ireland as a "beacon of hope" for divided societies across the world.

US ambassador criticises Adams’ Cuba visit
The American ambassador to the UK, William Farish, has criticised Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams’ three-day visit to Cuba.

NI Hospice votes in completely new ruling council
Members of the Northern Ireland Hospice have voted in a new seven-strong ruling council at their Annual General Meeting.

HSENI call for caution when working near power cables
The Health and Safety executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) has renewed its call for strict controls to be put in place by contractors when working under live overhead power cables. The latest call follows the tragic death of a young construction worker on the M1 motorway on December 15.

Littlewoods reduce losses in first half report
UK retailer Littlewoods has announced they are making good progress in reviving the business as the company revealed a reduction in losses for the first half of the year. The company posted a loss of £9.9m for the six months to October 31, down from a loss of £34.

Motorola to cut over 9,000 jobs worldwide
BBC News has reported that US telecoms equipment maker Motorola is to cut 9,400 jobs worldwide over the next 12 months. The BBC has reported that this latest round of restructuring will hit 4,000 staff at its chip making plants as well as 1,300 workers in its equipment factories.

Police Ombudsman and Chief Constable in talks
Northern Ireland Chief Constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan and the Police Ombudsman, Nuala O’Loan, have held talks over the Omagh bomb inquiry.

House of Commons votes to allow Sinn Féin offices
The House of Commons has voted to allow the four Sinn Fein members office space and access to allowances enjoyed by other MPs. Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith condemned the decision saying that it would create a two-tier system of MPs.

Winter blues hit South East housing
According to a report issued by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), house prices in London and southeast England remain volatile as the market continues to fall, while prices in the north show a steady rise.

Job difficulties for the 'Celtic Tiger'
The Industrial Development Agency (IDA) in the Republic of Ireland has reported a net loss in jobs provided by foreign companies for the first time in 15 years.

John Menzies to cut jobs as travel sector remains slow
John Menzies has announced the axing of 1,200 jobs from the company’s airport services division. Menzies, blaming the decision on the general slowdown in the travel market, said that around 200 jobs would go in the UK.

Study shows office art can promote productivity
A recent study has revealed that art in the office could lead to a better working culture, more relaxed staff, and improved productivity.

Court of Appeal supports Saville inquiry soldiers
The Court of Appeal has ruled that the former British soldiers will not have to give evidence to the Bloody Sunday Inquiry in Northern Ireland.

Employers urged to use previous remuneration details wisely
The Industrial Society is urging employers to consider how they use job applicants’ previous pay details when negotiating terms and conditions. In a recent report the campaigning body says that employers often use previous salary history to pay women less – perpetuating the gender pay gap.

Opposition arises over catering college relocation
Plans by the University of Ulster to move catering and tourism students from its Jordanstown campus to Portrush have met with stiff opposition.

Survey shows impact of Euro launch
A report released by EDS E Solutions EMEA, the consulting and solutions division of global services leader EDS, has revealed that up to 35 per cent of B2B eBusiness projects across Europe will be delayed by the launch of the euro on January 1, 2002.