New Funding For Town And City Centre Recovery

Additional funding of £11.6 million has been secured to support the recovery of town and city centres.

The investment is the second tranche of the Department for Communities' (DfC) Covid-19 Recovery Revitalisation Programme includes £5.6m from DfC, £5m from the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) and £1m from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).

The funding is in addition to £6m already allocated in Tranche one, bringing the total to a £17.6m investment from the Executive which will assist town and city centres as they adapt to and emerge from restrictions.

Announcing the funding, Communities Minister Carál Ní Chuilín said: "I am committed to the regeneration of our town and city centres, which is more important than ever as they go through one of the most challenging times in our history.

"The further £11.6m I am allocating to councils will enable new initiatives to be introduced, such as creating parklets, cycle paths and pedestrian walkways, carrying out small environmental improvements, and opening up vacant properties for temporary uses. This is in addition to essential measures such as hand sanitizer stations, screens and innovative improvements such as the provision of click and collect facilities for shoppers funded from tranche one. This funding was really well received and appreciated and I have no doubt this additional funding will be welcomed across our council areas.

"I fully appreciate that in this changing environment and emerging situation that businesses need our support and this is one way in which the Executive is doing that."

Investigation Launched Into Fatal Collision In Downpatrick

An investigation has been launched following a fatal collision in Downpatrick.

A woman died when the car she was driving crashed on the Belfast Road in Downpatrick at around 10.30pm on Saturday 31 October.

Police have issued an appeal to any witnesses or anyone who may have captured dashcam footage in the area at around the time of the crash.

L'Derry Security Alert Causes Major Disruption

Sinn Féin have condemned a security alert in L'Derry this morning, which caused major disruption.

Foyle MLA Karen Mullan said: "There (was) major disruption at the Collon Lane area this morning following a security alert.

"St. Columb's College has been evacuated and pupils and staff have been sent home.

"This is disgraceful and the last thing that pupils, teachers and parents need this morning, particularly as children return to the first day back after the break.

"I would urge people to avoid the area until the alert ends."