New Library Opens In Co Fermanagh

A new library in Lisnaskea, Co Fermanagh, has officially opened.

The £1.67million project was funded by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) and the new premises, situated in the centre of the town, replace a much older library which was situated on a steep hill on the outskirts of the town.

Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín said: "These new premises, which are much larger than the previous one, reflect the changing nature of libraries in our society. They are modern, educational, social and creative centres, offering welcoming facilities which are open to people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities."

Derelict Waste Ground In L'Derry Transformed

An Action Group has transformed a derelict piece of waste ground into a community growing space in L'Derry.

The Caw/Nelson Drive Action Group created the space at Sperrin Park after the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) allocated almost £30,000 funding.

It allows residents on the estate to come together to learn how to grow their own vegetables as well as helping to develop a better sense of community.

Avril McAllister, NIHE's West Area Manager, said: "Our Grounds team has been working closely with the local community through Caw/Nelson Drive Action Group to transform the physical appearance of the estate and encourage civic pride.

"The community growing space is a great social hub and a welcome addition for local residents who are now able to benefit from growing their own food."

Health Minister Called To Improve Diabetes Services

On World Diabetes Week Ulster Unionist MLA and Party Health Spokesperson Jo-Anne Dobson has called on the Health Minister to fully implement eleven recommendations received by his Department last year.

Commenting following attending a Diabetes UK event held at Stormont to mark the beginning of Diabetes Week the Upper Bann MLA said: "Diabetes is one of the biggest health threats of our time with over 86,000 local people diagnosed with the condition. This figure includes 1,200 children and year on year these figures continue to rise - frighteningly at a rate of around 100 children per year.

"To stem this tide we need an urgent strategic plan to be put in place for all people affected by and at risk of diabetes. Male or female, young or old diabetes can happen to anyone.

"Crucially the groundwork for a strategic plan has already been put in place through eleven recommendations made by a group of imminent local diabetes and healthcare experts.

"Last June the Department published these recommendations in the findings of the Report of the Steering Group which was chaired by the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride.

"The recommendations include the improvement of services for people with diabetes, improving public awareness of diabetes and updating services for children. A number of gaps in existing services were highlighted and these must be urgently addressed as well as steps taken to modernise services given sheer volume of children being diagnosed."

(CD)