Other News In Brief

Woman Hurt In Armed Robbery

A female motorist has been injured during an attempted armed robbery in north Belfast.

The vehicle was parked at the Cityside shopping centre at around 8.30am on Thursday when a masked man armed with a knife approached the driver. She sustained a cut to a finger on her right hand during the incident. Nothing is thought to have been taken.

Police have said the man fled the scene in the direction of the North Queen Street area.

New Signing For Ulster Rugby

Ulster Rugby have confirmed the signing of South African lock Franco van der Merwe.

The 31-year-old will join the club ahead of the 2014/15 season, on a two-year deal.

He is to be a direct replacement for current Ulster captain Johann Muller who is to retire at the end of the season.

Commenting on his new move, Van der Merwe said: "I spoke with Johann Muller and Ruan Pienaar about Ulster and they had only good things to say. That made the decision really easy for me."

A5 Environmental Reports Go To Consultation

Three reports on any potential impacts on the environment of the A5 Western Transport Corridor scheme are to be put to public consultation.

A fourth report, which deals with the Tully Bog Special Area of Conservation, is also to be made available in September 2014.

In a statement, Transport Minister Danny Kennedy said: "The publication of these reports represents the first of a series of further consultations on the A5WTC project. I would encourage people to view the documents which will be on display at a number of public offices over a six week consultation period.

In addition, the Department for Regional Development also said it is to is to review and update:

• The Environmental Statement for the full length of the scheme, from New Buildings to south of Aughnacloy

• The Draft Direction Order for the scheme between Newbuildings and Ballygawley

• The Draft Vesting Orders for the scheme between Newbuildings and Ballygawley.

Minister Kennedy added: "It is proposed that public consultation on the updated Environmental Statement, the draft Vesting Orders and the draft Direction Order will begin in November of this year."

(JP)