Other News In Brief

Alliance Condemn North Belfast Violence

The Alliance Party has condemned those behind three consecutive nights of violence in north Belfast, which saw petrol bombs thrown at officers on Wednesday.

Local councillor Nuala McAllister appealed for calm in the area as the sporadic incidents led to police vehicles being damaged.

Councillor McAllister said: "This is absolutely ridiculous behaviour which must stop immediately. These incidents must be condemned across the political spectrum.

"As a community the majority want to see North Belfast remain an inclusive welcoming place and those living under this constant fear and intimidation deserve better than the thugs within their own community are currently showing them.

"I would appeal to anyone involved to stop and think about how these intimidatory actions are affecting everyone and I would urge anyone with information to contact the PSNI as soon as possible, allowing the PSNI to get on with what they are tasked with doing – upholding the rule of law."

Council Urged To Reject Fossil Fuel Extraction

A Green Party Councillor has appealed to his colleagues on Belfast City Council to reject all planning applications related to fossil fuels in a bid to halt climate change.

Lisnasharragh Councillor Brian Smyth submitted a proposal to the People and Communities Committee in the hope of preventing all future attempts to drill for fossil fuels and promoting sustainable development. 

Cllr Smyth said: "Fossil fuels must be kept in the ground if we are to tackle climate breakdown. The extractive industry has a keen interest in Northern Ireland – as evidenced by a recent Petroleum License Application for the Lough Neagh Basin, covering parts of Belfast. 

"Climate scientists are clear that we have 11 years to prevent the worst effects of climate breakdown. The burning of fossil fuels is the primary cause of global heating. The science shows we cannot dig up any more fossil fuels.  

"We can and must take action on a local level. That's why I'm asking for all Councillors to support my proposal when it goes before the Committee next week."

NI Cross Country Dualling Scheme Reaches Milestone

Around 20,000 daily drivers are set to benefit from a new dualling section of the A6 between Randalstown and Toome next week.

The first phase of the A6 Randalstown to Castledawson Dualling Scheme is close to completion, which will see a 7km stretch of the new dual carriageway delivered between Randalstown and Toome.

The Moneynick Road will be closed from 10pm on Friday 02 August until Monday 05 to link the new dual carriageway with the existing road network. Both roads will open to the public on Monday 05 August.

A joint venture between GRAHAM and Farrans is delivering the major scheme, which will see 14.7 kilometres of the A6 North Western Transport Corridor upgraded between Randalstown and Castledawson. 

The £185 million scheme is set to strengthen the links between Belfast and the North West.

Works will continue at the M22 Junction 3 at Randalstown for a further four weeks. The entire Randalstown to Toome section will be formally opened when these works are complete.  



(JG/CM)