Other News In Brief

Dundonald Road Works To Start On 25 October

The Department for Infrastructure has announced that road works for the Stoney Road in Dundonald will get underway on Monday 25 October, 2021.

The resurfacing works will extend from the Ballyregan Road westwards for a length of 640 metres (to the stone bridge).

To facilitate the work it will be necessary to implement daily road closures, Monday to Friday only, between the hours of 8:00am and 5.30pm, from Monday 25 October 2021 until Friday 19 November 2021. Access will be maintained for residents and emergency vehicles to and from the Ulster Hospital.

Access to the Stormont estate along the lower end of the Stoney Road via the Newtownards Road entrance will also be maintained.

The Department has carefully planned these road works and associated traffic management arrangements in order to minimise inconvenience to the public, however road users should allow additional time when planning their journey and comply with all temporary traffic restrictions.

Completion of the work by 19 November is subject to favourable weather conditions, however, the Department will keep the public informed of any change. All work will be carried out in line with current public health and health and safety advice, with safe systems of working in place for staff and contractors.

New Sustainable Bike Hub Launched At QUB

A new bike hub with a focus on sustainability has been unveiled at Queen's University Belfast by Lord Mayor, Councillor Kate Nicholl.

The Hub has been developed in partnership with social enterprise Big Loop Bikes, to increase access to cycling for staff, students and the wider south Belfast community.

At the launch Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Kate Nicholl, joined Vice-Chancellor of Queen's University Professor Ian Greer and Richard Good, Director of the Turnaround Project, the charity which runs Big Loop Bikes as part of its work in engaging the community to support people on their journey out of the justice system.

Belfast's first citizen said: "It's such a great location for the hub and is a really positive step in increasing access to cycling, making it easier for people to opt for a more sustainable mode of transport. The physical and mental wellbeing benefits of travelling by bike, coupled with the positive environmental impact, are all great motivators to get more people cycling both on a personal and citywide level.

"Belfast City Council is committed to working in partnership with government departments and city stakeholders to create a people-focused greener, more accessible city centre that is connected to its surrounding communities. Active travel hubs, such as this great facility at Queen's, are fundamental to how we can collectively realise this vision."

Urgent Action Needed To Tackle Rising Energy Costs

The Department for the Economy and the Department for Communities has been urged to take action to tackle the increasing pressures of energy costs on vulnerable households.

Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson made the call following a further announcement from the Utility Regulator that energy prices will likely continue to rise sharply as wholesale fuel prices soar.

The East Antrim MLA said: "I recently met with the Utility Regulator and heard of the major impact of rises in wholesale prices on the energy bills of the Northern Ireland consumer, caused by a number of geopolitical issues, and the impact of COVID-19.

"Although people can be assured there will be no shortage of gas, the real issue for most will be affordability as prices continue to climb.

"Ultimately, there is little we can do here to impact international prices. However, the Department for Communities and the Department for the Economy (DFE) can act to help protect consumers. Manufacturing businesses too will need support, and it is important DFE begin to plan now for the winter.

"This is also a clear indication of the need to accelerate our move away from fossil fuels, the price of which can fluctuate wildly. To make this move, we must provide proper support to households to undertake energy efficiency measures, and install low carbon heating systems, saving both money and energy, and helping to tackle the climate crisis we face. I will continue to press at the Assembly for such action.

"I would also recommend consumers visit the Consumer Council's website for advice, and to check whether they can save money on their energy bills by switching suppliers. People receiving benefits may also wish to have a benefit check to ensure they are receiving all they are entitled to."