Owners Urged To Become 'Green Dog Walkers'

Dog owners across Belfast are being urged to join the initiative of 'Green Dog Walkers' who are working to tackle dog fouling.

The scheme involves owners pledging to clean up after their pooches and assist others to do the same. It's part of a UK-wide community based campaign to change attitudes and reduce dog litter.

Councillor Michael Collins, Chair of Belfast City Council's People and Communities Committee, said: "Despite our ongoing campaigns about responsible dog ownership, dog fouling is still a problem across the city and it remains one of the most complained about issues within council. 

"Not only is dog litter extremely unpleasant if you walk in it, it can be very dangerous to young children. The Green Dog Walkers initiative aims to highlight the issue and change the behaviour of irresponsible owners who don't clean up after their dogs. 

"Everyone who signs the pledge will receive a Green Dog Walkers' lead which will help other dog walkers identify them. By signing the pledge, they are vowing to always clean up after their dog and also carry extra dog waste bags to give to other dog walkers where needed."

Council staff in Green Dog Walkers T-shirts will be attending events across Belfast over the summer months to encourage dog walkers to sign up for the scheme.

To sign up to become a Green Dog Walker, click here.

NIFRS Chair Shortlisted In Rising Star Awards

Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) Chairperson, Carmel McKinney OBE, has been shortlisted in the Rising Star Awards 2019 in recognition of her work as a senior leader in actively supporting and nurturing female talent.

The UK wide Awards, sponsored by the Times and the Sunday Times, celebrate and recognise female contributors that represent the leaders and role models of tomorrow. Carmel has been shortlisted in the 'Rising Star Champions' category.

NIFRS Chairperson Carmel McKinney OBE said: "Mentoring, promoting and supporting women in the workplace are areas I've always been extremely passionate about and it's a great honour to be shortlisted for this award alongside so many remarkable women. 

"As senior leaders, we play an important role in nurturing and empowering those women who will become the leaders of the future. I look forward to celebrating the brilliant female talent that this year's awards will discover."

Lack Of Climate Change Legislation 'A Stain' On NI's Record

The lack of climate change legislation specific to Northern Ireland is "a stain" on the region's record, an SDLP MLA has said.

Former Environment Minister and current Foyle MLA Mark Durkan issued a plea to introduce legislation to follow new targets set out by the UK Committee against Climate Change.

The new UK targets suggest a complete shift away from fossil fuels in an attempt to achieve zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Speaking ahead of World Environment Day, Wednesday 05 June, Mr Durkan said: "The climate crisis is the single greatest challenge facing communities across the world. The rapid warming of our planet, at a faster rate than anticipated, will have a catastrophic impact on weather patterns, human settlements and economies across the globe. It's critical that we all take action."

During his stint as Environment Minister, Mr Durkan proposed a radical Climate Action Bill and remains confident a Bill should be introduced compelling the region to set emissions reduction targets, work toward carbon neutrality or prepare industry for tomorrow's economy.

He added: "The climate crisis should be a material consideration in the planning of government programmes, investment and broader decisions. It certainly was when the SDLP introduced a levy on single use carrier bags. It should form the basis of a new strategic direction for energy policy, looking at the potential for local industry diversification through offshore wind mapping, geothermal tech production and an enhanced renewables sector. We should be positioning ourselves as a global leader in these emerging fields.

"We owe it to our future generations, we owe it to the hundreds of young people who have rallied for action here in recent months. Climate change is no longer a theory but an irrefutable fact. We all have a responsibility to face up to the biggest threat facing our planet and demand change. Those in power need to hear the message loud and clear- the time to fight back is now."



(JG/CM)