Man Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

A man has been convicted at Newtownards Magistrates' court for claiming benefits he was not entitled to.

Roderick Fergusson (45) of Loughries Road, Newtownards claimed Incapacity Benefit and Income Support totalling £2,971 while failing to declare employment. He was fined £350 and ordered to pay court costs of £46.

He will also have to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.

Minister Wants A Cycling Revolution In NI

Transport Minister Danny Kennedy said he wants to see a cycling revolution in Northern Ireland as he outlined plans to encourage people to get on their bikes.

As a first step, a dedicated cycle unit will be established in the Department for Regional Development to develop infrastructure plans. The new unit will work closely with organisations such as Sustrans, who have been recently contracted to promote cycling and walking in schools, as well as other cycling stakeholders such as the National Cycling Charity (CTC). The Giro D'Italia programme in the next year provides the department and others with an important opportunity to take this forward.

The Minister said: "As Transport Minister, my key focus is on the movement of people and goods across Northern Ireland, whether that is by car, public transport, bike or on foot.

"My Department currently has a dedicated unit to promote more active forms of travel generally however I think we need to add to that and resource and focus very directly on cycling plans.

"I feel more needs to be done for Northern Ireland to close the gap on other European cities in promoting cycling.

"I believe we need an increased focus on cycling if we are to keep pace with other countries and this requires focus and drive. I want interested stakeholders to work with the Department to develop robust and sustainable strategies."

A5 Scheme Is 'Delayed'

West Tyrone Sinn Féin Assembly member, Declan McAleer has welcomed confirmation from Roads Minister Danny Kennedy that the A5 scheme is 'delayed' and not 'abandoned', and that the assessment dealing with the EU Habitats Directive is on-going.

Speaking after questioning the Minister during question time, Mr McAleer said: "The A5 dual carriageway project has the overwhelming support of the people, not only in the North West but right throughout the country. The delay in its construction has caused widespread frustration to the thousands of people who use the road each day and to those of us who recognise the potential of the A5 Western Transport Corridor to develop the North West and redress the infrastructural deficit west of the Bann.

"I welcome the Minister's comment that the scheme was 'delayed' and not 'abandoned', that it remains an Executive priority and that the necessary assessment in respect of the EU Habitat Directive is on-going. Minister Kennedy also confirmed that this would be subject to a public consultation and possibly a public inquiry.

"However, I do intend to probe the Minister further in respect of anticipated time scales for completion of the next steps. The A5 Western Transport Corridor is the single biggest infrastructural project in this part of the country, it is essential that we collectively keep a firm focus on the project given its huge economic and social importance."

(CD/JP)