Other News In Brief

Alliance Express Deep Concern Over Children Involved In L'Derry Violence

Alliance party spokesperson for Children and Young People, Sian Mulholland MLA, has expressed "deep concern and condemnation" following the recent violence involving children in Derry-Londonderry on Easter Monday.

Ms Mulholland said: "Children deserve to be protected, nurtured, and positively guided in life, not coerced or manipulated into engaging in harmful behaviour that could have a life-long impact on their futures.

"The violence we've seen unfold in Derry-Londonderry is utterly reprehensible and should be condemned by all in the strongest possible terms. Those responsible strive to achieve nothing other than causing destruction and misery for the local community. Additionally, reports of both the police and the media being targeted harken back to some of the darkest days of our, in some cases, not-so-distant past, and represents an outlook that the vast majority of people in Northern Ireland want left behind.

"As a society, we must prioritise the safety and welfare of our children and young people, providing them with the support, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive. This includes robust measures to prevent their exploitation and involvement in criminal activities, like what we've seen happen here.

"I'm calling on community leaders, parents, and policymakers to work collaboratively to address the root causes of youth violence, tackle the criminal networks that exploit vulnerable children, and create a safer and more inclusive environment for all young people in Derry-Londonderry, and across Northern Ireland.

"I would urge anyone with any relevant information regarding these events, especially in relation to the exploitation of children or their involvement in violent activities, to come forward and report it to the PSNI, or anonymously via Crimestoppers."

Appeal For Information And Witnesses On Coleraine Arson Attack

PSNI detectives have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following an arson attack at a property in Coleraine.

Police received a report shortly after 8.35pm on Sunday, 31st March that a house was well alight in the Laburnum Place area of the town.

Officers attended, alongside colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, who extinguished the blaze.

Extensive damage was caused to the house as a result of the fire which is believed to have started in the living room area.

No one was in the property at the time and no serious injuries were reported. One man, however, did require medical attention for smoke inhalation at the scene.

Enquiries are ongoing and police have appealed to anyone who may be able to assist with the investigation or has CCTV, dash-cam or mobile phone footage, to contact 101, quoting reference 1531 31/03/24.

Police are especially keen to hear from anyone who noticed suspicious activity or anything out of the ordinary in the Laburnum Place area between 8pm and just before 8.30pm, to get in touch. Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/

New Digital Skills Employment Academy Announced

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has announced a new, free, 8-week Digital Skills Employment Academy, exclusively for residents who are unemployed or under-employed.

The Academy will include:

• Market-Driven Skills: Master in-demand digital skills sought after by local employers in AI, social media, video, websites, and more.

• Personalised Support: Get matched with your ideal career path and receive one-on-one guidance to land the perfect job.

• Expert Mentorship: Benefit from dedicated mentors who will support you every step of the way and help you build a personalised action plan.

• Networking Opportunities: Connect with local businesses and industry leaders to increase your network and open doors to new possibilities.

Launched by the Fermanagh and Omagh Labour Market Partnership, the 8-week programme will seek to equip participants with Digital Skills in order to enhance their employability and help them secure employment.

Labour Market Partnerships, which create targeted employment action plans for council areas, are funded by the Department for Communities, and allow for collaboration at local and regional level to support people towards and into work.

Northern Ireland's digital sector is booming, with vibrant growth in cybersecurity, fintech, software development and more. This surge presents incredible opportunities for residents across the region, includingFermanagh and Omagh. However, to truly capitalise on this growth, we need a skilled workforce equipped with the necessary digital competencies.

That's where the Digital Skills Employment Academy steps in. This program bridges the gap between aspiring individuals and the in-demand skills needed to thrive in Northern Ireland's dynamic digital landscape. By investing in your digital upskilling, you're not just securing your own future but also contributing to the region's broader economic success.

Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Thomas O'Reilly commented: "This Programme will provide comprehensive support to local people and bridge the gap between driven individuals and the in-demand digital skills needed in our local area. By successfully developing digital skills, our residents will be able to embrace employment opportunities and achieve greater financial stability."

Ciaran Connolly, Director of ProfileTree Web Design and Digital Marketing (Delivery Partner for the Digital Skills Employment Academy) added: "In an era where digital technology is part of every part of society and the economy, digital skills are crucial for securing great employment opportunities. This programme is tailored to provide job-specific skills and relevant qualifications, ensuring that training participants are able to enhance their employability with highly sought-after digital skills and knowledge."