No Drone Zone Enforced Ahead Of Open Golf Championship

The PSNI is reminding members of the public of a 'no drone zone' to be enforced in certain parts of the North Coast as the 148th Open Golf Championship comes to Portrush next month.

The air exclusion zone will be in place from 4am to 10pm everyday from Saturday 13 to Monday 22 July.

The aviation restriction is covered by The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Royal Portrush Golf Club) Regulations 2019.

A PSNI spokesperson said: "These restrictions, which also cover the use of drones, are necessary to ensure public safety throughout the event. We have been making contact with clubs, associations and societies that we are aware of, who would regularly utilise airspace, to make them aware of these restrictions. It's worth noting if you are detected breaching this order and end up with a criminal record, your travel and career prospects will be negatively affected."

Alliance Welcomes Council Decision To Fly Pride Flag

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council has sent a strong message of support for LGBTQ+ citizens, Alliance Councillor Eóin Tennyson has said, after successfully bringing a motion to fly the rainbow flag from civic buildings to mark Pride. 

The flag will fly from the building on August 03, coinciding with the Belfast Pride parade, after Councillor Tennyson's proposal, seconded by party colleague Brian Pope, was passed with support from Alliance, Sinn Féin, the SDLP and two Ulster Unionists. 

"I am delighted that ABC Council has agreed to mark Pride this August," said Councillor Tennyson.

"Flying the rainbow flag will send a clear message that our borough is open, inclusive and welcoming for all.

"This is a small but hugely significant gesture which recognises the valuable contribution LGBTQ+ citizens make to our borough, promotes inclusion and equality, and shows solidarity with the ongoing struggle for full equality.

"While it was great to see two Ulster Unionists back this motion, it was disappointing that others in the party couldn't follow leader Robin Swann's example, who just last week said the UUP would not stand for intolerance while speaking at the PinkNews summer reception in Belfast. Sadly this support for the LGBTQ+ community was lacking in ABC last night.

"I am proud to have brought this motion and would like to thank all of the councillors who backed the proposal."

Improvements Delivered At Five Causeway Coast Beaches

Five beaches in the Causeway Coast and Glens council area have been enhanced with a host of new improvements.

Ballycastle, Benone Strand, Castlerock, Runkerry and White Rocks benefitted from a range of new infrastructure.

Ballycastle beach had an extensive boardwalk installed leading from the seafront to a viewing platform on the beach. Improved boardwalk access can also be seen at both Castlerock and Runkerry, providing a link for visitors between the promenade and the beach.

Improvements were made to the surface of the cliff path at White Rocks whilst additional storage for inclusive beach equipment and the first phase of improved access between the beach and The Ark facilities has been provided at Benone Strand from Sport NI.

The work was made possible due to funding from DAERA's Rural Development Programme Co-operation Scheme, Sport NI and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.

The local projects were developed by the Rural Development Programme's Local Action Group and staff from Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council's Tourism and Recreation Service.



(JG/CM)