Other News In Brief

Consultation Launched On Updated A5 Environmental Information

The Department for Infrastructure has launched a public consultation on environment related updates to the A5 Western Transport Corridor scheme.

The major project will provide 85 kilometres of dual carriageway from New Buildings in south L'Derry to the border at Aughnacloy, linking the urban centres of Strabane, Newtownstewart, Omagh and Ballygawley.

Interested parties are encouraged to submit their opinions on the draft reports that focus on a number of environmentally sensitive sites.

The consultation opened on Tuesday 16 March and can be accessed here. Submissions will be welcomed until Friday 17 May.

SDLP Urge PSNI To Investigate 'Despicable' Sectarian Chanting

An SDLP MLA has called on the PSNI to investigate a video circulating on social media which appears to show supporters of the Northern Ireland football team singing a sectarian song.

The 20 second video emerged earlier this week and showed a number of people from Killen Rangers Football Club in a Belfast bar when Northern Ireland played Belarus in a European Championship qualifier.

MLA for west Tyrone, Daniel McCrossan, said the actions have "no place in a modern progressive society" and called for a thorough investigation.

"I am totally appalled by this video," he commented. "It is depraved and does nothing but cause hurt, intimidation and division. It is imperative that the PSNI investigate this incident immediately and thoroughly.

"Sectarian chanting has no place in a modern progressive society- regardless of where it comes from or who it's aimed at. The vast majority of people do not accept this sort of behaviour and I am glad to see widespread condemnation. Attempts to compound division in this way are totally unacceptable.

"Northern Ireland fans have a great reputation around the world. That's why this video is so disappointing. I have also contacted the IFA to ensure they take immediate action to weed this sort of behaviour out of supporters clubs."

Cyclists and Runners Encouraged To Join Cancer Focus Fundraiser

Cyclists and runners across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to sign up for the annual Fun Run of the Glens (FROG) event to help raise money for Cancer Focus.

The race through the Glens of Antrim will take place on Saturday 15 June and offers cycle routes of 25, 50 or 65 miles and long-distance runs of either 10 kilometres or 10 miles.

Cancer Focus NI is the leading local cancer charity committed to tackling the disease by supporting cancer research. The charity helps cancer patients and their families and advises the public on how best to reduce their risk of the disease.

Kathryn Holland, Challenge Events Manager at Cancer Focus NI, said: "Cancer Focus NI is absolutely delighted to be involved in FROG again this year. Every penny raised will go towards our ground-breaking research which the charity supports at Queen's University and our work in the community which includes family support, a free NurseLine on 0800 783 3339, a bra-fitting service for women who've had breast surgery, art therapy, creative writing and other therapeutic and complementary services. 

"We also have Keeping Well vans that bring health checks and advice into the heart of communities."

Kathryn continued: "All Cancer Focus NI services are provided free of charge for cancer patients and their families but we do need public support to help raise the necessary funds to continue our valuable work. So please do consider signing up and taking part in FROG either as a road cyclist or a runner- your support really will make a difference to the lives of local people affected by cancer."

Further details and registration for the 14th annual FROG can be found here.



(JG/CM)