Ulster Carpets have completed its largest-ever cruise ship project, Icon of the Seas.

Ulster's Designers, based in their headquarters in Portadown and their London Design Studio, created over 75 different designs to match the distinctive design and style of each area.

This cruise ship from Royal Caribbean International is 365 metres long, is 250,800 gross tons, and has a capacity of 5,610 guests and 2,500 crew. It features over 55,000sqm of bespoke carpets designed and manufactured by Ulster Carpets.

Rachel Guy, Contract Sales Director for Marine at Ulster Carpets, said: "Icon of the Seas has been making headlines all over the world and we are very proud to have played a part in this amazing cruise ship.

"As a project, it challenged our design, planning and production teams like never before, but the final results demonstrate our ability to create unique designs and luxury carpets. This is why cruise ships, casinos and hotels around the world turn to us first for their bespoke carpets and rugs.

"Our average project would encompass around 20 different design schemes, so the Icon of the Seas profile was very different to complete at one time,” added Rachel.

"Our Planners also had to deal with an extra level of intricacy in some areas of the cruise ship and the entire project placed a lot of pressure on our production team. However, despite the extra challenges, we were still able to deliver the same level of unrivalled service we offer our customers all over the world.

"We are delighted with the final results as they demonstrate the unique qualities and skills that Ulster Carpets are renowned for globally."

Restaurant Ziti Reopens Under New Identity

Glengormley based restaurant, Ziti, has reopened its doors under a new identity 'Firehouse'.

A devastating accidental fire in 2022 engulfed sister restaurant, Knags, which is adjacent to Ziti.

To sustain the business and ensure continued employment for the staff, owner Kevin McCourt temporarily relocated Knags to Ziti's premises. Consequently, Ziti underwent a transformation, losing its original identity. The emergence of the Firehouse restaurant is anticipated to bring about a revitalised dining experience for local residents and visitors.

The £100,000 investment will see the creation of up to 20 new full and part time jobs in the area and will be an excellent addition to the dining experience in Glengormley.

The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Mark Cooper said:

"I am really impressed by the resilience shown by Firehouse, formerly Ziti Restaurant. This reopening is more than just a celebration of a dining establishment, it is a tribute to the positive attitudes of the Firehouse team and the people of Glengormley. I wish them all the very best for their future here."

Kevin McCourt expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support received during the rebuilding process. He said:

"The fire posed a significant challenge for us, but it allowed us to reassess, reinvent and return with renewed energy. We are excited to bring a new dining experience to the town centre which is already known for a great offering. We are incredibly grateful for the support of our local community during this time and we look forward to welcoming everyone into the new Firehouse".

Restoration Of Stormont Must Be A New Start For NI Says SDLP

SDLP has said that the restoration of the devolved institutions in Northern Ireland must be a new start for everyone who lives here.

The party Leader, Colum Eastwood MP, made the comments in the House of Commons where he called for the British Government to engage with Executive parties, the new incoming Opposition at Stormont and the Irish Government to reform the rules of government to ensure that the responsibility to govern and meet the needs of people across the North can never be abdicated by one party again.

Colum Eastwood MP said that the restoration of the devolved institutions has been "a long time coming" but now the power is returned "to local political leaders charged with meeting the needs of people who are funding it really tough right now".

In a statement, Colum Eastwood MP said:

"It is also worth reflecting on the fact that in a few days we may have, for the first time, united Ireland advocates in the positions of First Minister and Leader of the Opposition. Regardless of the limitations on function, that is a moment worth pausing to consider and represents just how far our democracy has come.

"This must be a new start for everyone across the North. The politics of the past, the obsession with division and deadlock, must be washed away. We all have to make this work.

"That is why I have called on the British Government to open discussions with the Executive parties, the incoming new Opposition and the Irish Government on reform of the democratic institutions. The power and potential of devolved government should be a source of pride and responsibility - it is what we seek at every election. No one party should be allowed to shatter that potential and leave our society adrift again.

"There is no time to waste now. The deal has been done. Let’s get to work."