Other News In Brief

On Duty Fire Crews Come Under Attack In Co Antrim

Fire crews have been attacked with bottles and stones while dealing with a fire in Ballymena.

NIFRS personnel were targeted while they responded to a blaze in Dunclug Park last night, Monday 08 July.

No one was injured in the incident, which police said a group of youths are responsible for.

A PSNI spokesperson said: "Could I ask parents to educate their children in relation, not only to the danger of this type of attack but also the implications it could carry for the community as a whole if an appliance was damaged."

Anyone with any relevant information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference 1519 0f 08/07/19.

Roadworks Announced In Belfast

A road in north Belfast is set to close for resurfacing work later this month.

The £100,000 scheme will take place on the Serpentine Road, extending from Whitewell Road to its junction with Merston Gardens.

Road closures will be in place from 22-24 July and 29 July to 02 August between 9.30am and 4pm.

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

During the work parking will not be permitted on this section of Serpentine Road and residents are requested to park outside the works area.

The scheme is expected to be complete by Friday 02 August, subject to favourable weather conditions.

Travellers Warned Against Bringing Foreign Meats To NI

Holidaymakers returning to Northern Ireland are reminded of the dangers of entering the region with meat from foreign countries.

Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Robert J Huey cautioned that it is illegal to bring certain products back into the country to avoid the risks of importing animal or plant disease.

Travelling with such materials poses risks to the environment, the agri-food sector, and any pests, diseases or non-native species brought to Northern Ireland come with the potential of having a devastating impact, Dr Huey warned.

Diseases such as foot-and-mouth cause serious economic impacts and can be brought into Northern Ireland via infected products of animal origin. Animal-related products may also pose a risk to human health from diseases, residues or contaminants. Such diseases and pests can have a disastrous effect on livestock, crops or the environment.

There is currently a specific concern over the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF), which is largely attributed to pigs consuming contaminated pork or pork products. The risk to Northern Ireland has steadily increased due to the recent spread of ASF in Belgium, other European countries and South East Asia, including China. 

Whilst there is no human health risk from this disease, it is easily transmitted in pork products. If ASF were to enter Northern Ireland it could have devastating effects, all exports of relevant agri-food products would be severely restricted, damaging the Northern Ireland economy and putting local jobs at risk. Meat and dairy products should not be brought into Northern Ireland in passenger's luggage; such items may be seized by Portal Inspection Branch staff at local ports and airports.



(JG/CM)