Other News In Brief

MEPs To Speak At L'Derry 'Countdown To Brexit' Event

Just 42 days before the United Kingdom is scheduled to leave the EU, local people will have the chance to hear from Northern Ireland's three MEPs when they take part in a special Brexit discussion event at The Guildhall in L'Derry.

The 'Countdown to Brexit' discussion with the recently elected Naomi Long of Alliance, Sinn Fein's Martina Anderson and Democratic Unionist Diane Dodds will be chaired by writer and broadcaster Paul Gosling on Friday 20 September.

The audience will have the opportunity to express their concerns and questions about Brexit in a Q&A session at the end of the discussion.

"The Foyle Women's Information Network are delighted to be able to welcome all three of our MEPs to the Guildhall for this event," said event organiser and FWIN representative Dr Maeve O'Brien.

"Just six weeks out from the Brexit deadline of October 31 we know this is a time of great uncertainty for many so this event is an ideal opportunity for anyone with concerns or views about the process to have their voices heard at the highest level and learn more about how they can prepare."

The event will take place from 11am to 2.30pm in the Main Hall in the Guildhall with doors opening at 10.30am and a light lunch served from 1pm – 1.30pm.

In the afternoon, Advice North West will host an information and guidance session on its free EU Settlement Scheme Service in the Whittaker Suite.

NI Athletes Enjoy Success At European Team Championships

Five athletes from Northern Ireland and Ulster have enjoyed success as part of Team Ireland at the European Team Championships in Sandes, Norway.

The team gathered a total of 227 points to take seventh place overall, securing their place in the First League again for 2021.

The Irish Men's 4x400m Relay team of Andrew Mellon (Crusaders AC); Christopher O'Donnell; Cathal Crosbie and Harry Purcell won Race B in a season's best time of 3:08.83.

University of Ulster athlete Katie Kirk also had a great performance in the Women's 800m, coming seventh in 2:06.87. Dundalk St Gerard's Kate O'Connor performed terrifically, throwing a series of 50m throws in the Women's Javelin competition, to finish in seventh place with 50.44m.

Ellie McCartney of the City of Lisburn Athletic Club came eighth in the Women's Pole Vault competition, clearing 3.76m and Ryan Forsyth of Newcastle & District AC finished the Men's 5000m in sixth place with a time of 14:03.74.

Lisburn Engineering Firm Invests In New Machinery And Facilities

Lisburn-based McGreevy Engineering Ltd has celebrated a successful few years of growth with a significant investment in machinery and suitable facilities.

The firm, which specialises in precision machined components, 5-axis milling and multi axis turn milling, has invested £395,000 to help enable its ongoing growth and to fulfil orders from North America.

Last year the business expanded further into the aerospace market and reported a 50% growth. McGreevy is now currently revamping its premises as part of its growth plan.

Speaking about the investments, Managing Director Aaron McGreevy said: "The new investment will enable the company to further diversify its capabilities, setting it up to carry out projects for the aerospace manufacturing market. It is an exciting time for the company, the engineering sector in Northern Ireland is one of the best in the world, competition is rife and this investment will position McGreevy Engineering among the finest that Northern Ireland has to offer."

Representatives from Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council and the Chairman of the Council's Development Committee, Alderman Allan Ewart MBE visited the site recently to see the investments first hand.

Alderman Allan Ewart MBE, commented: "I was delighted to have the opportunity to see first-hand this local business success story as part of the council's ongoing business engagement programme. Through the effective use of external funding this local business can meet plans to increase its customer base and fulfil its mission to expand. I wish them every success as they strive to employ new staff, grow their bottom line and benefit the local economy."



(JG)