Other News In Brief

SF Demand Jobs Protection In Bombardier Sale

Sinn Fein is calling for the protection of jobs and worker's rights throughout the planned sale of Bombardier's Belfast plant.

A party delegation met Unite (the relevant trade union) and management officials at the firm today, Wednesday 29 May, to represent the interests of staff.

South Antrim MLA Declan Kearney later commented: "Unite impressed upon us its objective to see the local operation sold as a going concern, maintaining the existing work force and all component parts of the local company. Sinn Féin absolutely supports that position as the best way of ensuring existing jobs, skills, workers' terms and conditions, and the regional manufacturing sector are protected.

"We then met Bombardier Chief Executive Michael Ryan and strongly represented the view that the company's priority now must be to ensure the plant is sold as a going concern."

Selling a business as a 'going concern' means transferring ownership while it is operating and making profit.

The delegation, which was led by Michelle O'Neill, said it advocated for the maximum levels of communication with public representatives, trade unions and the workforce throughout the process of finding a suitable buyer. The also said any interested company should recognise the skills of the local workforce, committee to maintaining jobs and their terms and conditions, including pay and pension rights.

Road Works To Commence In Belfast

Road resurfacing work is set to get underway in Belfast next week.

The £140,000 scheme will see a stretch of road improved from Upper Dunmurry Lane to the end of Cloona Park.

Work will begin on Monday 03 June and is expected to be completed by 14 June.

Daily weekday road closures will be implemented at Cloona Park from 8am to 5pm during the project.

Diversionary routes will be clearly signed and access for residents will be maintained in the area.

Parking will not be permitted on Cloona Park while work is ongoing and residents are requested to park outside the works area during this time.

Drivers should expect delays and allow additional time when planning any journey.

UK Pipe Band Championship To Be Held In Lurgan

The County Armagh town of Lurgan is set for a tourism boost next month as it hosts the UK Pipe Band Championships.

Over 100 bands will descend on Lurgan Park on Saturday 15 June, with competitors expected to travel from the rest of the UK, Ireland, Europe, Canada and the USA.

The inaugural event at Lurgan Park is the first of three UK Championships to be held at the venue, following a successful bid by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council to host the UK-wide event in the park until 2021.

Over the next three years it is expected to attract over 30,000 spectators and contribute a six-figure sum to the local economy, boosting tourism in the local area and reaffirming the council's strengthening credentials and experience in hosting major national events.

Organised by the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, the competition will feature over 3,000 players, including the best local pipers from varying competition grades ranging from juvenile right up to Grade One, along with drum majors and highland dancers, who will all be hoping to be crowned UK champions.



(JG/MH)