Driver Faces Fermanagh Death Charges

An Omagh man is to go on trial next month accused of causing a media student's death by dangerous driving. Donna Ferguson, 24, was killed when her car and a lorry collided as she drove from her home in Belleek along the Boa Island Road in December 2006. Edward Cassidy, 56, from Mullaghmore Drive denies causing death by dangerous driving, and two counts of causing grievous bodily injury to two men. The accused was in court in Enniskillen to hear the charges against him.

SF Backs Epilepsy Charity, But Slams Minister

A Sinn Fein MLA, Barry McElduff yesterday threw his weight behind a charity launch at Stormont. The Billy Caldwell Foundation aims to help sufferers of Severe Intractable Epilepsy and speaking after the launch at the historic Assembly complex Mr McElduff said: "I was pleased to renew my acquaintance with the Caldwell family. Billy is making great progress and is now walking with the help of intensive physiotherapy and a walking aid. This alone validates his mothers, Charlotte's decision to secure the best possible treatment for her son in Chicago. The launch of the Billy Caldwell Foundation not only aims to raise awareness of Billy's condition but also to raise funds to help other children's and families who suffer from this condition and to establish a local centre of excellence to treat this illness." However, he slammed the Health Minister and said: "So far there has been no support coming from the Minister of Health, Michael McGimpsey. Other children and families are affected by severe intractable epilepsy and will benefit if young Billy is supported by the Department of Health.

Booking A Celebration At Belfast Library

NI Arts Minister Gregory Campbell has launched a week of celebrations to mark 120 years of Belfast Central Library. The Library is holding a series of anniversary celebration events, including behind the scenes tours, a murder mystery event and a Victorian evening to mark their official opening in October 1888. Speaking at the launch the Minister said: "I am committed to the modernisation and improvement of library services across Northern Ireland as set out in 'Delivering Tomorrow's Libraries'. This is evident by the fact that my Department has secured around £138 million to improve library buildings and services over the next 10 years". He also said that since 1999, 11 new replacement libraries have been opened and many others have been refurbished, improved and extended. "I want to see this continue with better library services and facilities that are focused and dedicated to the changing needs of the people for future generations to come," he concluded.

Minister Welcomes Progress Of Moyle Road Improvements

Progress made on a £1.75m Moyle roads investment scheme has been praised by Transport Minister Conor Murphy. Meeting with the district council and Road Service officials, Mr Murphy said: "Work on the Glenariff Road footway scheme has been completed during the summer months. The scheme extended the existing footway from the footbridge at Main Street, Waterfoot for approximately 385m in the direction of Foriff Caravan Park. The scheme also included the provision of 150m of safety barrier where the Glenariff Road runs close to the Glenariff River," he said.

School's' Out?

A High Court ruling could prove to be the demise for a £650m modernisation scheme planned for Northern Ireland schools. The court ruled the procurement process for the NI Schools Modernisation framework was flawed, and has also brought similar projects across the UK to the forefront. Woodvale Construction, a joint venture between Henry Brothers and FB McKee, took legal action against the Education Department last year, after failing to secure a place on the framework. The challenge was raised a matter of days before the Department planned to unveil the successful tenders.

Building Jobs Lost

Nineteen jobs have been axed after a Co Antrim construction firm went into administration. Lisburn-based Roger Bullivant Ireland provided piling and foundation services to domestic and commercial construction projects. The firm ran into financial difficulties after activity levels fell in the main piling business. PricewaterhouseCoopers has now been appointed as the administrators for the firm. PWC's Garth Calow said: "The company has not begun any new work in recent weeks and I regrettably had to make 19 redundancies on my appointment. "Work continues only on a small number of existing contracts."

(BMcC)