Other News In Brief

Installation Demonstrates Belfast's Vulnerability To Climate Change

A new art installation called 'That Sinking Feeling' has been commissioned to demonstrate how vulnerable the city of Belfast is to climate change.

Belfast City Council commissioned Three's Theatre Company to create the temporary art installation, which coincides with COP26 - the UN's Climate Conference and will be at various locations across the city from Saturday 6 November.

The eye-catching, wheelchair-accessible box, constructed by Escapade HQ and decorated by local street artist, Zippy Reynolds, becomes a five-minute immersive experience when someone stands inside.

Water slowly rises between two glass panels to the sound of a climate-based audio collage narrated by Anna Leckey and produced by Katie Richardson. The combined sound and vision experience highlights key climate information while creating a feeling of being under water.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Kate Nicholl, who is championing action on climate change during her term in office, has welcomed the project: "As part of Council's #OneWeeThing campaign, our aim is to shine a light on the stories and efforts of people in Belfast who are doing their bit to ignite the climate conversation.

"This innovative art installation is doing just that - it is engaging, educational and provides people in Belfast with the opportunity to get a glimpse into the future of our coastal city if we don't take action on climate now."

Councillor Nicholl added: "As well as creating a dialogue about climate change, the project aims to enable a sharing of ideas and encourages people to pledge personal changes with participants being asked to pen their thoughts on luggage tags which will be attached to the box. The project is just one way of continuing the climate conversation with the people of Belfast and highlights that we need to collectively tackle the climate crisis for the future protection of our city."

That Sinking Feeling will be available to visit at locations across Belfast until 12 November, the last day of COP26.

Climate Action Youth Summit Held At City Hall

Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Kate Nicholl has joined young people from across NI at a Youth Summit event focusing on climate change at City Hall.

Coinciding with COP26 Youth Day, the summit will bring some of NI's young leading climate change advocates together to discuss and share ideas on how best to tackle the global emergency.

Lord Mayor, Councillor Kate Nicholl said: "Hearing from our city's young people, the next generation, is crucial in this ongoing battle against climate change. It is increasingly recognised that our younger generation have an important role to play in climate change governance as ultimately, they are the voice of the future.

Councillor Nicholl will join a panel discussion at the Youth Summit event with Minister for Infrastructure Nichola Mallon MLA and Koulla Yiasouma, NI Commissioner for Children and Young People.

Co-ordinated and chaired by the Belfast Climate Commission Youth Working Group, the panel discussion will focus on findings of a recent survey asking young people aged 13-24 for their views on the climate crisis.

"The global youth population in Northern Ireland is large and growing and if young people are properly involved in the decisions that affect their lives, they can help to shape a greener, more sustainable Belfast. I hope to take some of the youth energy and determination from the Youth Summit with me as I travel to COP26 next week on behalf of the city."

Causeway Council Appeal For Information Following Portrush Dog Attack

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council have issued an appeal for information following a dog attack in Portrush.

According to the council, a dog was attacked by two "large black dogs" in the Hamilton Place area of the town on Friday 22nd October 2021. The dog that was attacked was left with severe bite wounds and required extensive veterinary treatment.

The council said that the two large black dogs were not on a lead, one is believed to have been called 'Rose', and the dogs were accompanied by two men.

Anyone with any information about the dogs of their owners, is asked to contact the Environmental Health Team.

Following the attack, Council wants to remind dog owners about their responsibilities.

Leads should be used in public spaces, especially if there are other people or dog walkers in the vicinity. At home, dogs should be kept secure so they do not stray.

If your dog attacks and injures another dog, the owner or the person in charge of the dog is liable for prosecution. The maximum fine for this offence is £1000. If an attack causes injury to another person, the maximum court penalty is a fine of £5000 along with a possible prison term. A court can also order the dog to be humanely destroyed.

Council can impose legal requirements on the owner of a dog suspected of being involved in an attack, such as ensuring it always wears a muzzle or is kept on a lead in public. Breaches of these requirements are offences for which the owner or person is charge of the dog is liable.