Other News In Brief

SDLP Welcomes Newly Announced One-Year Temporary MOT Exemption

A one-year temporary MOT exemption announced by the Infrastructure Minister has been welcomed by SDLP Opposition Infrastructure Spokesperson Mark H Durkan.

The MLA for Foyle said: "Following our calls for the Minister to consider introducing biennial testing, he has introduced temporary exemptions that effectively do that. This provision was made during the pandemic and worked well taking pressure off the system.

"Motorists across the North have been left frustrated around significant delays in MOT test appointments, the current waiting time of 72 days simply isn't good enough. Today's announcement is welcome and will relieve pressure for now but there must be proper consideration of longer term actions in order to streamline the process.

"It's my understanding that DVA have consulted both the PSNI and Association of British Insurers (ABI) around these changes and the need for them. However, it's important to note that this does not make motorists exempt from ensuring their vehicles are roadworthy.

"I remain hopeful that this move will provide a much needed pressure release valve for the DVA, staff and motorists."

Appeal For Information On North Belfast Collision

The PSNI have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following a road traffic collision in north Belfast.

Making the appeal, Sergeant Kennedy said: "Officers received a report on Tuesday, 30th April that a collision had occurred between a teenage boy and a car in the Woodvale Road area near a bus stop.

"The boy was later treated in hospital for his injuries that are not believed to have been serious.

"We understand the collision occurred between approximately 5.10pm and 5.15pm and our enquiries are underway. As part of our investigation we are keen to speak with the driver of a red Golf GTI.

"We are also keen to hear from any witnesses who were in the area at the time and noticed what happened or who may have CCTV, dash-cam or mobile phone footage. "Anyone who can help with our ongoing enquiries is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1518 30/04/24."

Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/

Alliance Calls For Comprehensive Strategy For Renewable Transition

Alliance has called for the adoption of a comprehensive strategy to chart a faster course away from reliance on fossil fuels and towards a fairer, greener society, powered by renewable energy.

The party's Economy spokesperson, David Honeyford MLA, has highlighted the need for reform of the planning system as key to the development of sustainable solutions, identifying it as a major problem causing delay in the transition to renewable energy.

The Lagan Valley MLA has said: "We need to invest in diverse renewable sources, be they inshore or offshore wind, solar, tidal or biogas or hydrogen.

"The achievement of Northern Ireland's climate goals will require planning and determination that can only be brought about through a comprehensive renewables strategy, backed up by a dedicated team that brings together all the Executive departments.

"Everywhere I go and speak to people in the renewables industry, they raise the issue of planning delays. This needs to be addressed urgently by the Minister for Infrastructure. We need to remove the current blockages to development and allow the industry to get on and deliver, reducing the need for fossil fuels much quicker.

"The Energy Strategy must also urgently address the development of storage for renewables, for example how we can store any additional surplus of wind energy for when it's needed.

"Our future renewable energy system should be designed like an architect's drawing with an overall design that brings together all these moving parts, and which connects us to Scotland, Wales and to mainland Europe.

"Alliance believes we must work in partnership with those right across this island and beyond, taking a shared approach to guarantee the scale of generation and energy security that is required, and we would look forward to doing so."