Firmus Announces Energy Plans In L'Derry

Firmus Energy has announced plans to develop a network of pipes transporting gas energy to Culmore in L'Derry.

The firm is currently drawing up plans to feed a pipeline under the River Foyle towards Thornhill. They will be submitted to the Utility Commission for approval.

SDLP Cllr Angela Dobbins cautiously welcomed the announcement.

Cllr Dobbins said: "I have been liasing with Firmus for over two years now and I cautiously welcome the innovative plans that Firmus announced yesterday at the council's environmental meeting. The problem for Firmus was that although the interest from consumers was expressed getting the gas piped to Culmore proved difficult.

"As I stated at the meeting, these plans are a long way off but will give the residents in Culmore an opportunity to have a choice in regard to household energy."

New Counter-Extremism Strategy Welcomed

Tom Elliott, Ulster Unionist MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, has welcomed the Prime Minister's announcement of a new Counter-Extremism Strategy, but called on the government to ensure that it is also applied to extremists in Northern Ireland.

Mr Elliott said: "The Prime Minister's announcement of a Counter-Extremism Strategy is welcome news. I hope that the measures included within it will apply in Northern Ireland as much as in London, Manchester or any other part of the United Kingdom.

"Extremism of all forms can tear at the fabric of society and that includes paramilitarism in Northern Ireland. Whether the threat emanates from Islamic extremists or paramilitary groups in Northern Ireland, it needs to be challenged. For too long, terrorists and their apologists in Northern Ireland have been allowed to propagate their sick propaganda where murder is excused and criminality is overlooked."

Commercial Goods Vehicle Operator Fined For Transport Offences

A L'Derry Commercial Goods Vehicle Operator has been fined for transport offences at Newry Magistrates' Court.

Cool Breeze Transport Ltd was fined a total of £1,500 and ordered to pay an offender levy of £15.

The charges related to an investigation by the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) into Cool Breeze Transport Ltd.

The firm was fined £300 on each of two charges relating to the lending of a Goods Vehicle Licensing Identity Disc to another company, £300 in respect of making a false entry on a tachograph record, £300 for using an unauthorised place as an Operating Centre and a further £300 in respect of causing or permitting a driver to drive without valid motor insurance.

(CD/MH)