Minister Backs £8m Derry Regeneration

Multi-million pound plans to transform parts of Derry City centre have been backed by NI Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie. Ms Ritchie was in northwest region to view a public exhibition detailing the £8m regeneration scheme, proposed for Guildhall Square and Waterloo Place. The exhibition, commissioned by the Minister's department, illustrates a number of key regeneration projects, including the installation of a new water features in Guildhall Square, specially created public art works and a striking canopy structure in Waterloo Place.

Leave The Broomstick At Home, Take The Bus!

The Belfast 'Metro Monster Mash' Hallowe’en extravaganza, which takes place at Clarendon Dock on Friday 31 October will offer a "feast for the senses, with a crazy carnival, magical music and a magnificent fireworks display", in what promises to be a spectacular - but with transport laid on too. Translink Metro will be operating their free 'ghost bus' shuttle service - complete with special onboard fancy dress competitions. Translink Central Area Manager Billy Gilpin said: "Our complimentary shuttle bus service removes the hassle of car-parking at the venue and, as an added bonus, the creepiest witch, ghost or ghoul onboard will also receive a fantastic prize. This year, the Halloween celebrations also coincide with our Metro Fridays campaign which offers passengers great food, drink, entertainment and travel deals. So, for those who want to be truly spellbound this Hallowe'en I recommend they do the Metro Monster Mash." Buses will leave Chichester Street for Clarendon Dock, dropping off in Corporation Square, every 15 minutes from 6pm - 8pm. Return shuttle buses will operate from Corporation Square to City Hall from 8.30pm - 9.30pm.

Foster Hosts Financial Debate

Top-level talks have been held in Belfast to discuss Northern Ireland's economic climate, amid a global financial slowdown. The Economic Development Forum was chaired by NI Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster. Ms Foster, addressing delegates, said she recognised the challenges faced by Northern Ireland businesses, particularly soaring energy prices and falling demand in key markets, such as the Republic of Ireland, Great Britain and the United States. The Minister suggested these factors were having an inevitable impact on business confidence and investment. Despite this, findings from a Oxford University Report, commissioned by the Department of Enterprise, have hinted at a possible growth in the Northern Ireland economy from 2008 to 2009. Albeit a smaller rate of growth than previous years, Ms Foster has welcomed the forecast.

Get The Jag, Not The Flu

Northern Ireland's Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride, has launched this year's free winter vaccination programme. Stocks of the vaccine are now in place and all those in 'at risk' groups are being encouraged to get their vaccine when invited to do so. The campaign runs from October to December. Highlighting how important it is for people to receive the 'flu vaccine ahead of the virus arriving in Northern Ireland over the winter, Dr McBride said: "Catching the winter 'flu is an unpleasant experience for most, but for more vulnerable groups, it can lead to complications that are more serious. The vaccination programme specifically targets these groups so that they are better prepared to fight off infection. I would strongly encourage all those who receive an invitation from their GP to protect themselves by getting this year’s vaccination."

(BMcC)