Health Minister Condemns Anti-Vax Protest At Clinic

A disruption by anti-vaccine protesters at a walk-in clinic for new and expectant mothers has been condemned by Health Minister Robin Swann.

The Minister said: "This latest protest is contemptible.

"I want to express my gratitude and solidarity to the vaccination team working at the Foyle Arena today. I am pleased to see pregnant women and new mothers coming forward to get protected through vaccination, in line with expert scientific advice. I would encourage more to do so.

"There is sadly no reasoning with these anti-vax crusaders, who remain wedded to their misinformed and distorted agenda. My message to them is simple – you will not divert us from our responsibility to get as many people vaccinated as possible. Vaccination saves lives and reduces levels of serious illness.

"To people who have not yet got their jab, I say please make an informed choice, based on information from trusted sources. Please don't miss out on the protection that being vaccinated brings."

Shots Fired At A House In West Belfast

Police have issued an appeal for information after shots were fired at a house in west Belfast.

A number of shots were fired at the front door and window of the house on Old Colin Road at about 10.25pm last night.

It is understood that there was a man inside the house at the time of the incident but escaped uninjured.

Describing the incident as a "contemptible and calculated attack", police appeal for anyone with information, or who may have witnessed anything suspicious to contact them.

Newry Flood Alleviation Scheme Gets Underway

A £2.9 million flood alleviation scheme on tributaries of the Newry River in the city will commence today, Monday 16 August 2021, Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has announced.

AG Wilson has been awarded the contract to construct approximately 990 metres of new 1350 millimetre diameter concrete culvert and 2000 metres of new flood wall and embankment works.

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon said: "This £2.9 million investment is the first phase of a key strategic project for Newry City that when complete will ultimately provide the protection needed to reduce the risk of flooding.

"This is the first of three planned phases of flood alleviation measures for the City. This initial scheme will provide flood alleviation to residential and commercial properties located at Armagh Road, Downshire Road, Craigmore Way and Greenbank Industrial Estate, Newry.

"Flooding causes devastation and destruction leaving behind not only a huge clean-up operation but a genuine fear every time there is heavy rainfall. This is an area which has a history of flooding so I hope that the commencement of this work will bring some comfort and reassurance to those properties that will directly benefit from a reduction in flood risk once this work is complete."