Other NI News In Brief

Museum Success

Over 16,000 people visited the Ulster Museum in the first fours days after its re-opening. The popular tourist attraction was closed three years ago for refurbishment and since then around £17m has been spent on transforming the 1920s building into an attraction rivalling some of the best museums in the world. It re-opened last Thursday and museum bosses have said the number of people who stopped by to take a look at the revamped premises in the first four days was testament to the museum's popularity.

999 Suspension

A paramedic working in Londonderry has been suspended from duty following a delay in responding to a 999 call-out. An investigation will now be carried out by the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service into what caused the delay. A spokesman for the Ambulance Trust said: "The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service is aware of this alleged incident and is carrying out a full investigation. While the investigation is ongoing, the member of staff will, as a precautionary measure, remain suspended from duty."

Armagh Pitch Upgrade Complete

Funding awarded by the Irish Football Association has contributed towards the regeneration of an Armagh football ground. The cash, along with significant investment by the city council, helped bring Kingston Memorial Playing Fields up to intermediate standards. Works included the improvement of access and egress to the grounds; the provision of quality fencing; and the supply of purpose built dugouts. Ryan McCarter, from Lisanally Rangers Football Club, welcomed the completion of the upgrade scheme: "This work would not have been possible without the kind provision of the IFA grant and the co-operation and financial support of Armagh City and District Council," he said. Meanwhile, Richhill FC spokesman Neil Megaw said discussion began on the project three years ago: "Despite this lengthy timescale the project was certainly worth the wait as we now enjoy the fantastic facilities available," he said.

Fallen Cattle Costs Rise

The free collection and disposal service operated by the Department of Agriculture for bovines over 48 months of age will end on 8 November. Then, in accordance with the TSE (Amendment) Regulations (NI) 2009, herd keepers will be required to contact the operator of an approved TSE sampling site within 24 hours of the animal's death to make arrangements to have any fallen bovines over 48 months of age collected for the purposes of BSE testing. The herd keeper will have to pay the collection and disposal costs for these animals. To help farmers adjust to paying for the collection and disposal of these fallen bovines, the Department will pay £40 per bovine towards these costs until 31 January 2010. This will be paid by administrative arrangement through the National Fallen Stock Scheme.

Derry Jobs In The Air

Up to 75 new jobs are to be created in Londonderry when three new stores open at the Crescent Link Retail Park on the Waterside. Retailers Next Home, Mothercare and Dreams announced they are to open the stores between next month and the end of the year.

Views Sought On Antrim Play Sites

Antrim Borough Council has sought the public's views on plans for the new Muckamore and Steeple play areas. The new play area at Muckamore will replace the old playground next to Muckamore Community Centre and the Steeple play area will be located on a new site next to Stiles Way. Proposals for both facilities include play parks that cater for younger and older children and a multi-use games area, with an additional 3G pitch proposed for Muckamore.

(BMcC/KMcA)