Other News In Brief

NI Water Prosecuted Over Three Pollution Incidents In Co Down

NI Water has been prosecuted following three pollution incidents at treatment works in Killinchy and Annsborough in Co Down.

The company received fines totalling £80,000; £60,000 for two incidents at Killinchy and £20,000 for one incident at Annsborough.

In a statement following the court's verdict, an NI Water spokesperson said: "NI Water accepts full responsibility for the two incidents which led to the fines today. While the extent and size of the network we operate means there is a risk of pollution incidents of this nature occurring, on the rare occasions when it does, it is a matter of the utmost regret to the company. We can, however, give assurances the company is set stringent targets by the Utility Regulator to reduce pollution incidents, and these targets have been consistently met and exceeded since 2008.

"There are a number of learnings and actions that we can and have implemented to ensure these incidents do not reoccur. These include investment in more robust equipment and further training of staff.

"These actions, and the investment required to implement them, are an indicator of how seriously NI Water takes pollution and the lengths we will go to, to prevent a repeat occurrence.

"NI Water views its' responsibility to the environment with the utmost seriousness, having invested £500 million in the network over the last three years, helping make our rivers and beaches the cleanest that they have ever been.

"It should be noted NI Water treats 340 million litres of waste water every day through a network which comprises over 15,000 kilometres of pipes and more than 1,000 wastewater treatment works."

SDLP Welcomes Response To FIT Bowel Screening

SDLP Health Spokesperson Mark H Durkan MLA said the response from Health Permanent Secretary, Richard Pengelly surrounding the implementation of FIT (Faecal Immunochemical Test) bowel screening in Northern Ireland is encouraging.

Mr Durkan commented: "The correspondence from the Permanent Secretary for Health, Richard Pengelly, surrounding a FIT bowel screening programme for Northern Ireland has been encouraging.

"I had written to Mr Pengelly as a matter of urgency last month, expressing my concerns which were also shared by Bowel Cancer UK CEO Deborah Alsina MBE, that the Department of Health had not yet committed to introducing this life-saving test in Northern Ireland.

"I have received assurances from Mr Pengelly that the Department is considering the proposed switch to FIT and is aware of the benefits and increased accuracy of this test compared to the current FOB test. He has assured me that the Public Health Agency are preparing their case for the implementation of FIT here."

People Urged To Show Extra Care On Roads

Sinn Féin MEP Martina Anderson has urged people to show extra care on the roads.

She said: "Today marks European Day Without A Road Death (Project Edward) and I would urge everyone; motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and others to to take extra care and be mindful of other road users.

"Sadly, across Ireland too many families know the pain and suffering of losing a loved on the roads.

"Events like Project Edward are designed to raise awareness of road safety and prevent further tragedies on our roads."

(CD)