Man Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

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

Aidan Murphy of Fairview Park, Derrygonnelly, claimed Jobseekers Allowance totalling £7,976 while failing to declare capital. He was given a 12 month conditional discharge.

Mr Murphy has since repaid in full the money he wrongfully obtained from the Social Security Agency.

Redeveloped Facility Opens In Co Down

A newly redeveloped £450,000 facility for Ballyhornan Scout Centre in County Down has officially re-opened.

The £450,000 investment, provided by the Department of Education, has allowed a new purpose hall to be built and linked to the existing four huts, new modern kitchen facilities to be installed, and storage and toilet facilities to be upgraded. There is also additional camping and play areas for youth members.

Education Minister John O'Dowd said: "This £450,000 investment in Ballyhornan Scout Centre is an investment for everyone in this local community and its future.

"Children and young people are key to building a peaceful, stable and prosperous future and there continues to be a growing interest in the role that youth work can play in helping them enhance and fulfil their education needs and skills.

"Youth facilities such as Ballyhornan Scout Centre provide young people with a safe and friendly environment to meet and develop their own individual skills, which in turn will allow them to enhance their own skills within their local communities."

Expressions Of Interest Welcomed Over Ballykelly Site

Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Ó hOisín has welcomed the multiple expressions of interest as part of the competitive sale process of former British Army site at Ballykelly.

Mr Ó hOisín said: "I am delighted that Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has confirmed there has been up to seven expressions in interest in the site which are separate from the confirmation that the DARD headquarters is to be sited there.

"This assessment of these proposals will hopefully be completed by the spring which would allow the next phase of transforming the site to begin in 1916.

"At present the TV and film production company will remain on site creating many jobs and I am sure that they will bid to remain full time at Ballykelly.

"I am also pleased that the demolition phase of the site for the DARD Headquarters has now been completed so that the construction on that part of the site can now commence."

(CD/JP)