31-Year-Old Man Charged In Connection With Belfast Disorder

A 31-year-old man has been charged in connection with violent disorder in Belfast in early August.

The man has been charged with a number of offences, including riot, disorderly behaviour and criminal damage. He is due to appear before Belfast Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, 23rd October 2024.

As is usual procedure all charges will be reviewed by the PPS. 

Economy Minister Outlines New Digital Skills Action Plan

A new Digital Skills Action Plan for 2024-34 has been announced by Economy Minister Conor Murphy.

The Action Plan sets out how digital skills will be nurtured and supported over the next decade by creating alternative pathways into the digital sector.

Speaking about the Action Plan after visiting Belfast Met's e3 campus, the Minister said: "Investment in the skills and talent of our people is vital for our economic success. In this age of rapid technological change and development, digital skills and a digitally competent workforce are crucial to ensuring the continued competitiveness of our businesses.

"This Action Plan will support and develop digital skills, promoting the breadth of career opportunities within the digital sector. We will create alternative pathways into the sector, with a particular focus on underrepresented groups of people and those who need additional support to access the same opportunities as others."

The Minister concluded: "Our ambition is to transform the north into a world leading digital hub. Focusing on our digital skills will boost our economy and result in more and better job opportunities and greater earning potential, alongside improved individual wellbeing and social inclusion."

The Action Plan was developed by the Department for the Economy's Digital Skills Industry Reference Group and the NI Skills Council.

John Healy, Ex-Chair of the Digital Skills Reference Group, said: "Digital skills are at the very core of our lives and economy; these skills are essential in how we live and work. To keep pace with the rapidly evolving digital landscape, we need to continue to invest in our people, and embrace the change to enrich many aspects of our lives.

"The Digital Skills Reference Group has delivered the Digital Skills Action Plan, which is a significant milestone for the group. This plan sets out alternative pathways into the sector. This would not be possible without the successful collaboration of our local government officials, educators and industry."

Richard Williams, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Screen, which was represented on the Digital Skills Industry Reference Group, said: "The creative and screen industries are delivering growth, employment and innovation. Through its three Creative Learning Centres, Northern Ireland Screen is continually investing in training and development to improve digital skills for young people and teachers across the curriculum.

"We remain strongly committed to the provision of programmes that target the marginalised and most disadvantaged schools and are delighted to support DfE's Digital Skills Action Plan to provide more opportunities for young people, regardless of background or circumstances, to experience, learn and develop creative and digital skills."

The Digital Skills Action Plan 2024-34 is available at: www.economy-ni.gov.uk/publications/digital-skills-action-plan-2024-2034

Appeal Following Arson Attack In Larne

The PSNI have issued an appeal for information after an arson attack on three cars in the Inver Road area of Larne in the early hours of this morning, Friday 27th September.

Inspector McClelland said: "We received a report from our colleagues at Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service at 1.25am that the vehicles had been destroyed by the fire.

"Officers attended the scene and were advised that ignition was believed to have been deliberate.

"We are investigating this as arson, and would to anyone with information to contact us on 101, quoting reference number 60 of 27/09/24."

You can also submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/.