Other News In Brief

Growth In NI's Economy

Northern Ireland's economy was estimated to have grown by 0.7% over the last year.

The increase was driven by rises in the services and construction sectors.

Economy Minister Simon Hamilton said: "While the statistics published today show a moderate overall increase in the Northern Ireland economy, it is nonetheless welcome that it is the private sector that is once again leading the way in growing our economy.

"Our recovery is characterised by strong employment growth. This was demonstrated by the recent Labour Market statistics showing the number claiming unemployment related benefits has fallen by over 7,000 people in the year to June 2016.

"The growth in output in the first quarter of this year was particularly encouraging with Northern Ireland matching UK GDP growth and also bucking the trend within the UK by posting double digit growth in exports during the same quarter."

Farrans Starts Work On Watermains Improvement Scheme In Co Antrim

Farrans Construction has started work on a watermains improvement project in Newtownabbey, Co Antrim.

The scheme, on behalf of NI water, started in the Shore Road area and is expected to be completed in five weeks.

A lane closure is in place along the Shore Road with traffic management in effect. The Longwood Road/Shore Road junction and the Mill Road/Shore Road junction will be closed for periods to facilitate the works.

Diversions will be put in place.

Once this section of work is completed, the scheme will continue on the Mill Road.

Eight-Week Delay In Blue Badges

The Minister for Infrastructure, Chris Hazzard, has been called to make staffing changes after an Alliance MLA discover there is a minimum eight-week delay in issuing blue badges for disabled drivers.

Mrs Kellie Armstrong was informed about the backlog after being contacted by a number of constituents concerned their blue badge payments had been cashed by Transport NI but no badges had arrived.

She said: "I have been told the delay is due to staff shortages caused by illness and holidays.

"While Transport NI recognises there is a delay in issuing badges, they have failed to communicate this to local hospitals or private car parking firms, meaning many people with disabilities are facing car parking fines because the Department for Infrastructure cannot process applications in a timely manner.

"I call on the Minister to move staff in order to ensure these processing issues are resolved as quickly as possible."

(CD)