Other NI News In Brief

Verdict Due For Accused Child Killer

The jury in serial killer Robert Black’s latest murder trial will retire to consider its verdict today.Judge Mr Justice Ronald Weatherup said he would briefly conclude his directions to the jurors at Armagh Crown Court before sending them out to begin deliberations. The convicted triple child killer is accused of abducting and murdering nine-year-old Jennifer Cardy in Northern Ireland 30 years ago. The schoolgirl was snatched as she cycled to a friend’s house in the quiet Co Antrim village of Ballinderry on August 12, 1981.

Skills In Focus

A key target for adults in NI achieving crucial qualifications in Maths, English and ICT through the Essential Skills Strategy has been exceeded by 30%. Commenting on the figures in the latest Statistical Bulletin, the Employment and Learning Minister, Dr Stephen Farry, said: "Confirmation of the achievement of one of our major skills targets is excellent news. Between 2008 and March 2011 over 54,000 adult learners have gained Essential Skills qualifications in literacy, numeracy and ICT, exceeding the targets set in 2008 by 30%. I would like to congratulate everyone whose hard work, effort and energy has made this possible - first and foremost the learners and their tutors, but also local employers, sector skills councils and the trade unions." The Minister added: "Essential Skills qualifications are meaningful, are recognised by our local universities and have currency with employers. The courses are practical and allow people to apply their knowledge in real life situations and to work confidently, effectively and independently."

Kids Care Facility Opened

The NI Health Minister, Edwin Poots, has officially opens a new children's care facility. Glenmore Cottage has recently been refurbished; its aim is to provide for each child or young person, the same range of opportunities for all children and young people in the community, helping to prepare them in their life journey. "This is an excellent example of what can be achieved in a community setting. The layout of the accommodation and the personal space provides the children and young people with a safe and secure, homely, family environment, which is something that everyone should have," said the DUP politician. "Improving services and facilities for those with a learning disability has been one of my top priorities since I became Minister for Health and it continues to be so. I congratulate all involved in what they have achieved here and wish the children, young people and carers every success for the future."

NI Water Sewage Fine

Northern Ireland Water Ltd (NIWL) was fined £2,500 plus £31 court costs at Armagh Magistrates' Court last week for breach of the Department's consent conditions. On 11 September 2009, a Water Quality Inspector, acting on behalf of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), inspected an unnamed tributary of Lough Ross and found it to be impacted with sewage. The source of the sewage was traced to an overflow from Carron Road Sewage Pumping Station owned and operated who were charged under Article 7 (6) of the Water (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 with the offence of contravening consent conditions .

Derry Port Gets New Members

The Stormont Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy today announced the appointment of three council members to the board of Londonderry Port and Harbour Commissioners. The council members appointed are Alderman Maurice Devenney, Alderman Joe Miller and Councillor Elisha McLaughlin. He said that public appointments to the Londonderry Port and Harbour Commissioners are for a maximum of four years. Additionally, these appointments are co-terminus with the councillors' membership of Derry City Council and therefore cannot extend beyond the time of the next local government election, due in 2015.

Henderson Buys ICS

Henderson Foodservice, a division of the Spar and Vivo wholesaler, the Henderson Group in Mallusk, has announced its acquisition of Newry-based Independent Catering Services (ICS). Established in 2005, ICS has 60 employees and is located in Carnbane Industrial Estate. Its core business is the supply of ambient and chilled products to the catering trade in Northern Ireland as well as to a significant client base in the South of Ireland. Henderson Foodservice has now assumed control of business operations in Newry with the expectation that by March 2012 all operations will have transferred to Henderson's Co Antrim site.

(BMcC/GK)