Rate Reliefs Scheme Extended

The Finance Minister has announced the extension of the Empty Shops Rates Concession scheme and the rates exemption for stand-alone ATMs in rural areas.

Both concessions, which were due to end in March 2015, will now be extended until March 2016.

Minister Simon Hamilton said: "The Executive recognises the difficulties that our local businesses are facing and are committed to providing continued support to the business community as they emerge from difficult financial times."

The rates exemption for stand-alone ATMs in rural areas was introduced to encourage ATM provision in rural areas.

Water Storage And Supply Network To Be Upgraded In Newry

A £6m investment to upgrade the water storage and supply network for customers in Newry city and surrounding areas has been announced.

The new programme of work forms Phase Three of the Ballydougan to Newry Trunk Main Scheme, which builds on the £1m already invested as part of this programme of works.

As part of the Phase Three programme, NI Water has recently started extensive upgrade work at Crieve Service Reservoir (SR), located off Fort Hill Road. The existing 0.4 mega litre tank is being replaced by a new 4.2 mega litre reservoir. This significant upgrade will improve storage and security of the water supply for customers in the east of Newry.

Also included in the £6m package of improvements is the refurbishment and extension to Carnbane Water Pumping Station (WPS), located within Carnbane Industrial Estate and Cullyhanna WPS which is situated 4kilometres south of Newtownhamilton.

The project also involves the upgrade of chlorination and control equipment at a number of sites including Camlough Water Treatment Works (WTW), Newry West SR, located to the east of Newry off the Camlough Road and Camly Service Reservoir, located 2kilometres south of Newtownhamilton.

Limavady Courthouse Faces Closure

SDLP East Derry MLA John Dallat has expressed his incredulity at the lack of forward planning by the Department of Justice.

Over the last five years, DOJ has spent £261,802 on maintenance and repairs of Limavady Courthouse which they have now scheduled for closure. The information was disclosed in a response to a written question by Mr Dallat who has opposed the plan to close the courthouse.

He said: "This illustrates the lack of long-term planning by the Department of Justice as they consume millions from the public purse.

"£261,802 is a lot of money. It could make a valuable contribution overseas or help protect frontline health services at home but instead has been spent on a building which has now deemed to be surplus to requirement.

"The building is not listed and therefore does not benefit from any of the planning restrictions which could preserve it in the future."

(CD/JP)