MLA Demands Action Over 'Foul Odours' From Factory

Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew has written to Environment Minister Andrew Muir demanding an urgent meeting over foul odours from the Sawgrass/Northway factory in Killeeshil and Cabragh.

The politician's letter follows reports that a local GAA club was forced to relocate its summer camp earlier this week after young people were allegedly made sick by the smell.

Mr Gildernew stated that the issue has become "significantly worse" and is having a "serious impact on residents," urging the minister and the Environment Agency to act before serious harm is caused to local families and children.

New AI And Data Analytics Academy Offers 20 Training Places

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has announced 20 high-quality training places on a new AI and Data Analytics Assured Skills Academy with Deloitte. The fully-funded academy will see participants receive pre-employment training from Belfast Metropolitan College (Belfast Met) from 6 October to 5 December 2025.

The training will focus on industry-recognised qualifications in Microsoft Power BI and Azure Data Fundamentals. Participants will receive a training allowance of £180 per week plus travel and childcare expenses for the duration of the academy.

Highlighting the opportunity, Minister Archibald said: "This Assured Skills Academy will contribute to my good jobs agenda by training 20 people in Data Analytics. This is a fantastic opportunity and I would urge everyone who is interested and eligible to apply."

Marie Doyle, office senior partner at Deloitte Belfast, commented on the importance of the academy in equipping people with the skills to maximise the use of AI.

Belfast Met's interim Principal and Chief Executive, Damian Duffy, added: "Belfast Met has a long and successful track record in delivering Assured Skills Academies and we are delighted to be renewing our valued collaboration with Deloitte through this latest initiative."

Applications are open now and close at midnight on Sunday, 31 August 2025. Applicants must be over 18 years old and be eligible to work in the UK. An information session will take place on Monday, 15 September, with interviews held from Tuesday, 16 to Thursday, 18 September 2025.

Tributes Paid To Former Alliance Councillor David Reid

Alliance representatives have paid tribute to former Alliance Councillor David Reid, who has passed away at the age of 35. David was an Alliance Councillor for the Braid area of Mid and East Antrim between 2020 and 2023 and died following a battle with cancer.

"My thoughts are with David's family and friends following his untimely passing," said Alliance Leader Naomi Long MLA. "It is incredibly sad when someone so young dies, particularly when they were such a genuine and kind person as David. He faced numerous health challenges, from his battle with Crohn's Disease, on which he was a fearless advocate, to the brave fight he faced with cancer over a number of years. Through it all, what stood out was his positivity and his smile."

Alliance MEA Group Leader, Councillor Lauren Gray, added: "As a Councillor, he offered constituents across Braid and the wider Mid and East Antrim area a voice for all. He stood up for everyone and provided inclusive representation without fear or favour, especially on welfare issues, and I knew he was devastated he couldn't continue in his Councillor role due to health reasons."

North Antrim MLA, Sian Mulholland, concluded: "David was at heart a truly decent and caring person, which came across at all times. All of us in Alliance are devastated by his loss, and I know that will be the same for anyone he met in his life."