Call For New Taxi Legislation To Be Reviewed

Alliance Infrastructure spokesperson Kellie Armstrong MLA has said the Department must review proposed changes to taxi legislation.

Under the new legislation all taxis in Northern Ireland will be required to have an approved meter and printer, with minimum fares also increased. However, Ms Armstrong said it was vital taxi drivers were treated fairly by the move, while adding it was important the changes were communicated widely to the public.

She said: "There is unquestionably a need to look at licensing classifications and metering across the industry, however, there has been poor communication on this issue from the Department for Infrastructure since the beginning, both to taxi drivers and members of the public. I will continue to push for that to be improved.

"Some of the changes will stop some taxis from charging exorbitant fees to the likes of people with certain disabilities, as it takes longer to load and secure a wheelchair, as well as preventing rural dwellers from being overcharged for journeys. However, we must ensure neither taxi drivers or customers are disadvantaged by this move.

"The Committee for Infrastructure is aware there are issues over this matter and have asked for an urgent update from the Department."

Co Antrim Man Sentenced Over Waste Offences

A man from County Antrim has received a suspended prison sentence after being convicted of waste offences at Coleraine Magistrates' Court.

Jonathan Stevensonfrom Portrush received a sentence of five months imprisonment suspended for three years and was made the subject of a £500 compensation order for breaches of waste management legislation.

In August and December 2014, officers from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) investigated an unlicensed site operated by Mr Stevenson at 71 Charlotte Street, Ballymoney. They found a substantial quantity of waste plastic, polystyrene, baled wood, baled cardboard and baled plastics. The total tonnage of controlled waste was 21 tonnes and the site did not have a waste management licence to store, keep or treat this waste.

BBC Urged To Pass On Evidence Of Gerry Adams Involved In Denis Donaldson Murder

UUP MLA Doug Beattie MC MLA, has urged the BBC to pass its evidence of Gerry Adams alleged involvement in the murder of Denis Donaldson to the PSNI and allow them to investigate the case.

Mr Beattie said: "If Gerry Adams does indeed seek to sue the BBC for libel, it will provide an opportunity for the claims made in the BBC Spotlight programme to be held up to public scrutiny.

"The BBC should now produce the evidence to the PSNI and allow them to investigate the case which needs to be subjected to transparent legal scrutiny. If ever a case could be said to be in the public interest, it surely is this one.

"Certain politicians and political parties in Northern Ireland are very good at talking about legal action but rarely follow through.

"I am therefore keen to hear from the BBC if they have received anything from Gerry Adams' lawyers and also to know if the PSNI are investigating the allegations made by Spotlight."

(CD/LM)