Animal Welfare Consultation Extended

The Agricultural Minister has extended the closing date for responses to the public consultation of the implementation of the Animal Welfare Act.

Sinn Féin MLA Oliver McMullan has welcomed moves from Michelle O'Neill.

Mr McMullan said: "This is important given the recent revelations about dog breeding and puppy farming, which have highlighted the shocking and appalling conditions on some puppy farms.

"The extension of this deadline will allow the public, who are greatly concerned about animal welfare, a further opportunity to have their say on this important legislation."

New Youth Centre Opens In South Belfast

A new youth centre opened has officially opened in Belvoir, south Belfast.

The new build includes a Sports Hall, IT facilities and social meeting places with provision for 1,000 young people from the area.

After officially opening the new facility, Education Minister John O'Dowd said: "It is clear that my Department’s investment of £1.4million has been put to good use. Membership of the centre has increased 35% over the past few months and with a number of activities catering for a range of young people, I'm sure these figures will continue to rise."

£150,000 Resurfacing Project To Start

A £150,000 resurfacing scheme on the A32 Enniskillen Road near Irvinestown at Derrynanny is to begin.

The 900metre resurfacing work is to start on Tuesday 5 May and last for up to five days.

The road will be closed to traffic throughout the period of work and traffic diversions in place. Northbound traffic will be diverted via B82 Killadeas & Lisnarick and Enniskillen bound traffic via B123 Kilskeery & B46 Ballinamallard.

(CD/MH)