Executive Must 'Force Paramilitaries To Leave The Stage'

The Executive must "force paramilitaries to leave the stage", SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O'Toole MLA has said.

He was speaking ahead of an SDLP Opposition Day motion on Tuesday, that calls on the First Minister and deputy First Minister to introduce a comprehensive review of the Tackling Paramilitarism, Criminality and Organised Crime Programme.

South Belfast MLA Mr O'Toole said: "Paramilitaries should not be playing an active part in life in Northern Ireland in 2024. Thirty years ago today the loyalist ceasefire was declared with every paramilitary grouping ceasing violence, yet we are still in a situation where these groups exert coercive control over their communities, run large-scale criminal enterprises and even seek to have the ear of Executive Ministers.

"The seemingly never- ending transition process must come to an end with a clear, unambiguous full-stop on the existence and taxpayer indulgence of these structures.

"We care deeply about improving the lives of people in working class loyalist communities. Which is why we want Stormont to focus on freeing those communities from the grip of illegal organisations who only seek to exert power or make money from ordinary people. And they do so without any electoral mandate.

"The Executive has totally failed to deal with the scourge of paramilitarism, passing the buck from department to department when it comes to so much as taking down a paramilitary flag. The SDLP Opposition is bringing this motion forward on Tuesday so that we can have a transparent discussion on this issue and so that parties can clearly outline their views on ending the insidious influence of paramilitarism. We believe that the best way to achieve this is through a comprehensive review on tackling paramilitarism and we believe the Executive must commit to getting these groups off the stage once and for all."

Rail Services Now Operating At Grand Central Station

Rail services are now operating to and from the new Grand Central Station in Belfast.

Beginning on Sunday, 13 October, the rail line also reopened between Belfast and Lisburn ensuring passengers travelling across the network could access the new city centre terminus station.

Welcoming the commencement of services Minister O'Dowd said: "This is another significant step in the development of our public transport offer. I am delighted that rail services have started from Grand Central Station. The re-opening of the rail line between Lisburn and Belfast is good news for the thousands of commuters and cross border passengers who use this route.

"Belfast Grand Central Station is the largest transport facility on the island of Ireland with the capacity to cater for 20 million passenger journeys a year. With eight rail platforms and 26 bus stands this new facility demonstrates how infrastructure can transform and make a difference.

"Many people have been working tirelessly to get us to this point today and I thank them all. Most of all I would like to thank the public for their patience while we carried out the important rail safety authorisation process which was vital in making today a reality."

Greens Raise Concerns Over Pilot Taxi Scheme

A pilot scheme to permit some taxis to use bus lanes has been criticised by Green Party Cllr Anthony Flynn, who has said the plan will raise safety concerns for cyclists

Responding to the announcement by Infrastructure Minister, John O'Dowd, Cllr Flynn said: "While we understand the desire to reduce traffic pressure in Belfast city centre, which is exacerbated by the road works at Grand Central Station, this is not the way to solve the issue.

"In the absence of a properly funded and developed cycle network, this plan raises safety concerns for cyclists, while providing little to relieve serious congestion.

"Bus lanes are designed to be used by cyclists too, in an attempt to create a sustainable transport element to our road service. They are not meant for any type of private car, including private hire taxis."

Cllr Flynn concluded "We have been waiting for the Belfast cycle network delivery plan to be rolled out for four years and yet it is possible for a decision, which reduces sustainable transport to be pushed through with near immediate effect."

"This is not the way to tackle traffic disruption and speaks to poor planning and an inherent failure to take the climate crisis seriously."