Other News In Brief

Resurfacing Work Begins In Waterfoot

Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy announced the start of a £95,000 major resurfacing scheme on A2 Garron Rd, Waterfoot.


The work is due to begin on 2 September 2013, from Glen Road, East towards Garron Point for approximately 1kilometre.

The Minister said: “This scheme will greatly improve the strength and surface quality of the carriageway on part of this important coastal route between Waterfoot and Carnlough.”

To help minimise any inconvenience to the travelling public and local businesses this work is programmed to be completed using lane closures.

The scheme is expected to be substantially completed on 11 September 2013.

The above planned dates are subject to favourable weather conditions and Roads Service will keep the public informed of any change.

Concerns Raised Over Zero Hour Contracts

SDLP Newry Councillor John McArdle has expressed his concern over the number of zero contracts which have been introduced into the Newry area.

Zero hour contracts are contracts of employment which do not specify any number of hours that the employee is guaranteed work for. These contracts do not guarantee shifts or any work patterns and employees are expected to be available when they are needed.

Councillor McArdle said: "I work alongside my colleagues in the citizens advice bureau and we are seeing increasing numbers of people being offered zero hour contracts.

"I understand that zero hour contracts may suit some people who want occasional earnings and are able to be entirely flexible such as students.

"However Zero hour contracts are being offered as a route out of unemployment to many. Only to find that there is no work and these contracts make it difficult to find alternative employment or to claim job seekers benefit.

"Zero hour contracts make financial planning very difficult as workers never know when their next pay day is. This can lead to some taking on debts that they cannot afford."

Minister Hails NI's Staging Of World Class Sporting Events

Tourism Minister Arlene Foster has hailed Northern Ireland's growing reputation for staging world class sporting events.

The Minister was speaking at the official Rabo Direct Pro12 2013-14 press launch at Titanic Belfast. Comprising of teams from Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Italy, the competition is one of only three professional leagues in Europe.

Arlene Foster said: "It is a great honour to welcome the Rabo Direct Pro12 players and officials to Belfast for the launch of the 2013-14 season, which promises to be every bit as exciting as previous years.

"Ulster Rugby is one of our iconic symbols, with the team and fans playing an important role as ambassadors for Northern Ireland, both at home and abroad. I look forward to seeing visiting fans from places as far apart as Glasgow and Treviso at the newly redeveloped Ravenhill, where they can be assured of the very best in hospitality and facilities."

Highlighting Northern Ireland's success in attracting world-class events, Arlene Foster continued: "Fresh from hosting the World Police & Fire Games, widely acknowledged as the best and friendliest in history, and having hosted last year’s hugely successful Irish Open golf tournament, Northern Ireland has cemented its position as a premier location for staging international sporting events. That position will be further reinforced as we welcome the Grande Partenza of the Giro d’Italia cycle race next year. The common thread running through these successes is our ability to deliver high-quality facilities, infrastructure and hospitality against the backdrop of Northern Ireland’s outstanding scenery."

(CD)