01/12/2020
Other News In Brief
'Extraordinary Audit' Of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Accounts Ordered
The Local Government Auditor has been directed to hold an extraordinary audit of the accounts of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council concentrating on land disposals and easements and related asset management policies and procedures.
The Audit has been ordered by Communities Minister Carál Ní Chuilín. She said: "I have taken this step as I have concerns about land disposals and easements made by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.
"Minister Hargey previously asked the Council to provide details of any disposals and easements at less than best price including when Departmental approval was sought and obtained for such disposals. Under local government legislation a council should not dispose of land at less than best price except with the approval of my Department. My Department has never received any applications from the Council concerning proposals to sell land at an under value.
"Therefore, in order to have an independent review, I have directed the Local Government Auditor to hold an extraordinary audit of the accounts of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council concentrating on land disposals and easements and related asset management policies and procedures.
"I would hope that this work is undertaken at the earliest opportunity."
Avian Influenza Prevention Zone Introduced Across NI
Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots has announced the introduction of an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) in Northern Ireland.
The AIPZ places a legal requirement on all bird keepers in NI to follow strict biosecurity measures. This applies if you keep pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard or hobby flock.
The decision to introduce an AIPZ follows the detection of highly pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N8 (HPAI H5N8) in five wild birds across NI in recent weeks. Further cases of AI have been detected in over 100 wild birds across Great Britain with five cases of the H5N8 strain being confirmed in commercial premises in England. There have also been three reported cases in wild birds in the Republic of Ireland where similar measures are also being introduced on 1 December.
Announcing the introduction of the AIPZ, Minister Poots said: "In recent weeks the Department has detected highly pathogenic Avian Influenza in five wild birds across Northern Ireland. It is clear that the virus is now present here and I have therefore taken the decision to declare an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone from 1 December based on sound expert advice and in consultation with industry.
"This is a necessary precautionary step that requires all bird keepers to take appropriate action to review and enhance the measures to protect their birds from this highly infectious disease."
Alliance Mark World Aids Day
While progress has been made in improving the health outcomes for HIV patients, stigma still comes with a positive diagnosis.
Marking World AIDS Day, Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA said the day is an opportunity to reflect on how isolating a diagnosis can be and how misconceptions about the virus can still cause damage to those who live with HIV.
She said: "Negative attitudes can have serious consequences and make it less likely those with the condition will seek diagnosis. The stigma around HIV and AIDS can also prevent people from speaking about it, and that can come with real life consequences for the health and wellbeing of those who are positive.
"It is incumbent on all of us to educate ourselves about the illness, combat misinformation and offer our support to those who live with the virus. I welcome the developments in effective drug treatments enabling most people to live a long and healthy life, whilst recognising there is still work to do to find a cure.
"I commend all those who continue to raise awareness about the condition, and hope with time the stigma associated with HIV and AIDS will become a thing of the past."
The Local Government Auditor has been directed to hold an extraordinary audit of the accounts of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council concentrating on land disposals and easements and related asset management policies and procedures.
The Audit has been ordered by Communities Minister Carál Ní Chuilín. She said: "I have taken this step as I have concerns about land disposals and easements made by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.
"Minister Hargey previously asked the Council to provide details of any disposals and easements at less than best price including when Departmental approval was sought and obtained for such disposals. Under local government legislation a council should not dispose of land at less than best price except with the approval of my Department. My Department has never received any applications from the Council concerning proposals to sell land at an under value.
"Therefore, in order to have an independent review, I have directed the Local Government Auditor to hold an extraordinary audit of the accounts of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council concentrating on land disposals and easements and related asset management policies and procedures.
"I would hope that this work is undertaken at the earliest opportunity."
Avian Influenza Prevention Zone Introduced Across NI
Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots has announced the introduction of an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) in Northern Ireland.
The AIPZ places a legal requirement on all bird keepers in NI to follow strict biosecurity measures. This applies if you keep pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard or hobby flock.
The decision to introduce an AIPZ follows the detection of highly pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N8 (HPAI H5N8) in five wild birds across NI in recent weeks. Further cases of AI have been detected in over 100 wild birds across Great Britain with five cases of the H5N8 strain being confirmed in commercial premises in England. There have also been three reported cases in wild birds in the Republic of Ireland where similar measures are also being introduced on 1 December.
Announcing the introduction of the AIPZ, Minister Poots said: "In recent weeks the Department has detected highly pathogenic Avian Influenza in five wild birds across Northern Ireland. It is clear that the virus is now present here and I have therefore taken the decision to declare an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone from 1 December based on sound expert advice and in consultation with industry.
"This is a necessary precautionary step that requires all bird keepers to take appropriate action to review and enhance the measures to protect their birds from this highly infectious disease."
Alliance Mark World Aids Day
While progress has been made in improving the health outcomes for HIV patients, stigma still comes with a positive diagnosis.
Marking World AIDS Day, Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA said the day is an opportunity to reflect on how isolating a diagnosis can be and how misconceptions about the virus can still cause damage to those who live with HIV.
She said: "Negative attitudes can have serious consequences and make it less likely those with the condition will seek diagnosis. The stigma around HIV and AIDS can also prevent people from speaking about it, and that can come with real life consequences for the health and wellbeing of those who are positive.
"It is incumbent on all of us to educate ourselves about the illness, combat misinformation and offer our support to those who live with the virus. I welcome the developments in effective drug treatments enabling most people to live a long and healthy life, whilst recognising there is still work to do to find a cure.
"I commend all those who continue to raise awareness about the condition, and hope with time the stigma associated with HIV and AIDS will become a thing of the past."
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20 February 2024
Belfast YMCA Champions Affordable Housing
In a strategic move to address the pressing need for affordable housing in Belfast, local charity Belfast YMCA has released a prime piece of land to the market for sale in the Stranmillis Area. Working with commercial estate agents Frazer Kidd the land in the highly coveted BT9 area is on the market for 'offers in the region of £1m'.
Belfast YMCA Champions Affordable Housing
In a strategic move to address the pressing need for affordable housing in Belfast, local charity Belfast YMCA has released a prime piece of land to the market for sale in the Stranmillis Area. Working with commercial estate agents Frazer Kidd the land in the highly coveted BT9 area is on the market for 'offers in the region of £1m'.
27 October 2005
DARD issue bird flu travel advice
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) has issued advice to travellers who are returning to, or entering, countries currently affected by 'bird flu'.
DARD issue bird flu travel advice
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) has issued advice to travellers who are returning to, or entering, countries currently affected by 'bird flu'.
23 January 2024
CC Advice For Travellers Impacted By Storm Isha
The Consumer Council has issued advice for travellers whose arrangements where impacted by Storm Isha, urging them to find out what they are entitled to.
CC Advice For Travellers Impacted By Storm Isha
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06 May 2009
Bird Eggs Get Extra Protection
Protected bird species are in danger thanks to thieves operating around some of NI's most scenic areas. A new police initiative is now set to tackle the theft of seabird eggs from Big Copeland Island. Two years ago a large number of eggs - around 3,000 - were reported as stolen.
Bird Eggs Get Extra Protection
Protected bird species are in danger thanks to thieves operating around some of NI's most scenic areas. A new police initiative is now set to tackle the theft of seabird eggs from Big Copeland Island. Two years ago a large number of eggs - around 3,000 - were reported as stolen.
04 June 2008
Flap On Over Latest Bird Flu Alert
Just months after a wild life reserve was identified as a source of the High Pathogenic Avian Flu in a Dorset facility - with the Government's agricultural department brought in to contain the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu - the NI Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew, has now asked all local bird keepers to be alert for fresh signs of the dise
Flap On Over Latest Bird Flu Alert
Just months after a wild life reserve was identified as a source of the High Pathogenic Avian Flu in a Dorset facility - with the Government's agricultural department brought in to contain the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu - the NI Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew, has now asked all local bird keepers to be alert for fresh signs of the dise
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Cloudy with further outbreaks of rain this morning, heavy at times, especially over north Antrim. Becoming drier and brighter this afternoon with sunny spells and a few showers. Winds becoming light. Maximum temperature 9 °C.Tonight:Further showers this evening, some heavy, especially in the east, dying out early tonight. Then mainly dry with clear periods developing, leading to a touch of frost and icy patches. Minimum temperature -1 °C.