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11/02/2020
Other News In Brief
IVF Provision To Be Expanded
MLAs have passed a motion to expand IVF provision across Northern Ireland.
SDLP MLA Sinead Bradley had tabled an amendment to ensure that women who will otherwise cross the threshold and miss the enhanced service will be covered.
Welcoming its approval, the Foyle MLA said: "This will make a tangible difference in the lives of families across the North, 1 in 7 of whom have difficulty conceiving children. Many have had a huge financial cost of trying to access IVF privately and this cost has ruled many families out of seeking to become parents.
"I warmly welcome that expansion of IVF provision is included in the New Decade, New Approach deal and I will be engaging with the incoming Health Minister to ensure it is delivered in a timely fashion."
Meanwhile, Sinn Fein have demanded funding to offer three paid cycles of the treatment to local couples.
Colm Gildernew said the move would dramatically increase the chances of hopeful parents conceiving.
"This is a very sensitive and emotive issue and is very stressful for many couples," Mr Gildernew said.
"Sinn Féin is committed to improving access to IVF treatment for the many couples out there desperately seeking treatment to start a family.
"We need to see funding put in place for this and increase capacity to deliver three cycles as we currently don't have the capacity at fertility clinics here in the north.
"So we have to look at other options, including across the island, to be able to deliver it so we can help couples out there who need this treatment to have a family."
Locals To Shape Banbridge Public Realm Scheme
Members of the public are being invited to shape renewed plans for a public realm scheme in Banbridge, Co Down.
An event will be held later this month in the Old Town Hall in Banbridge, where the new concept design proposals for Banbridge Town Centre will be unveiled. It will take place on Thursday 20 February 2020 from 10.30am – 7.30pm.
Design concepts will be on display outlining proposals for potential public realm improvements along Newry Street, Bridge Street, Downshire Bridge (The Cut), Scarva Street, Linenhall Street, Victoria Street, Old Kenlis Street, Railway Street, Downshire Place Link, Church Square, Castlewellan Road, Bann Bridge and Dromore Road.
Locals will be welcomed to a special drop-in consultation event for the plans.
The Banbridge Public Realm scheme, which will be delivered in two phases, aims to improve the quality and connectivity between streets and car parks, improve accessibility in the town centre and create attractive civic space, providing a unique sense of place. The scheme will focus on creating a safe streetscape that focuses on safe pedestrian circulation and accessibility for all, whilst preserving and enhancing the character of the town centre.
It is anticipated these enhancements will include; resurfacing of the existing footways, hard and soft landscaping, aesthetic improvements to both the Downshire and Bann Bridge, street lighting, street furniture, new civic space, improvements to pedestrian crossings, improved street parking arrangements, introduction of smart technology and bespoke features.
The deadline for completed surveys is Monday 09 March 2020.
Co Down Route To Close For Improvements
Roadworks have been announced in the Co Down town of Castlewellan.
Work will begin on the Leitrim Road on Monday 17 February and run until Friday 13 March.
The Department for Infrastructure is investing £255,000 in the scheme, which will run a distance of 1,300 metres from the road's junction with McCartan's Road to just short of Dolly's Brae junction.
A daily weekday road closure will be in place between 8am and 6pm to facilitate the work. A signed diversion will be in place via Dolly's Brae, Magheramayo Road and McCartans Road and vice versa.
Drivers should expect some delays and are advised to leave additional time when planning any journeys.
This project forms part of Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon's efforts to tackle the regional imbalance in infrastructure.
(JG/CM)
MLAs have passed a motion to expand IVF provision across Northern Ireland.
SDLP MLA Sinead Bradley had tabled an amendment to ensure that women who will otherwise cross the threshold and miss the enhanced service will be covered.
Welcoming its approval, the Foyle MLA said: "This will make a tangible difference in the lives of families across the North, 1 in 7 of whom have difficulty conceiving children. Many have had a huge financial cost of trying to access IVF privately and this cost has ruled many families out of seeking to become parents.
"I warmly welcome that expansion of IVF provision is included in the New Decade, New Approach deal and I will be engaging with the incoming Health Minister to ensure it is delivered in a timely fashion."
Meanwhile, Sinn Fein have demanded funding to offer three paid cycles of the treatment to local couples.
Colm Gildernew said the move would dramatically increase the chances of hopeful parents conceiving.
"This is a very sensitive and emotive issue and is very stressful for many couples," Mr Gildernew said.
"Sinn Féin is committed to improving access to IVF treatment for the many couples out there desperately seeking treatment to start a family.
"We need to see funding put in place for this and increase capacity to deliver three cycles as we currently don't have the capacity at fertility clinics here in the north.
"So we have to look at other options, including across the island, to be able to deliver it so we can help couples out there who need this treatment to have a family."
Locals To Shape Banbridge Public Realm Scheme
Members of the public are being invited to shape renewed plans for a public realm scheme in Banbridge, Co Down.
An event will be held later this month in the Old Town Hall in Banbridge, where the new concept design proposals for Banbridge Town Centre will be unveiled. It will take place on Thursday 20 February 2020 from 10.30am – 7.30pm.
Design concepts will be on display outlining proposals for potential public realm improvements along Newry Street, Bridge Street, Downshire Bridge (The Cut), Scarva Street, Linenhall Street, Victoria Street, Old Kenlis Street, Railway Street, Downshire Place Link, Church Square, Castlewellan Road, Bann Bridge and Dromore Road.
Locals will be welcomed to a special drop-in consultation event for the plans.
The Banbridge Public Realm scheme, which will be delivered in two phases, aims to improve the quality and connectivity between streets and car parks, improve accessibility in the town centre and create attractive civic space, providing a unique sense of place. The scheme will focus on creating a safe streetscape that focuses on safe pedestrian circulation and accessibility for all, whilst preserving and enhancing the character of the town centre.
It is anticipated these enhancements will include; resurfacing of the existing footways, hard and soft landscaping, aesthetic improvements to both the Downshire and Bann Bridge, street lighting, street furniture, new civic space, improvements to pedestrian crossings, improved street parking arrangements, introduction of smart technology and bespoke features.
The deadline for completed surveys is Monday 09 March 2020.
Co Down Route To Close For Improvements
Roadworks have been announced in the Co Down town of Castlewellan.
Work will begin on the Leitrim Road on Monday 17 February and run until Friday 13 March.
The Department for Infrastructure is investing £255,000 in the scheme, which will run a distance of 1,300 metres from the road's junction with McCartan's Road to just short of Dolly's Brae junction.
A daily weekday road closure will be in place between 8am and 6pm to facilitate the work. A signed diversion will be in place via Dolly's Brae, Magheramayo Road and McCartans Road and vice versa.
Drivers should expect some delays and are advised to leave additional time when planning any journeys.
This project forms part of Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon's efforts to tackle the regional imbalance in infrastructure.
(JG/CM)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A dry day with long spells of sunshine for most, however eastern coasts will see rather more in the way of cloud at times, with just the risk of an odd light morning shower. Mainly light northerly winds. Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:A fine end to the day with some evening sunshine. It remains dry overnight with a touch of frost possible in places, although cloud is expected to increase towards dawn. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
