Swine Flue Cases Grow

The Department of Health has said that one more case of swine flu has been confirmed in Northern Ireland. This brings the total number here to 18. In the case revealed on Tuesday the person is a female who was a contact of a previously confirmed case. She has been given antivirals and is recovering at home. Currently, the number of cases under investigation in Northern Ireland stands at 10 while the number of cases investigated and found negative stands at 169.

NI Cancer Care Merger Off

The Board of the Ulster Cancer Foundation announced that merger talks with Action Cancer have ended unsuccessfully. The organisation's Chairman, Professor Roy Spence said: "It is with regret and disappointment that I make this announcement on behalf of the Board of the Ulster Cancer Foundation. The vision of a new and enhanced cancer charity for Northern Ireland has not been realised at this time."

Derry Body Identified

The man's body found on Monday in Londonderry has been identified as Jason McGill. The 26-year-old, from Springtown Road, had been missing since Saturday. His body was discovered by a member of the public near the Three Flowers pub in Coshquin at about 4.40pm. A post mortem is being carried out and police are continuing and inquiry into the circumstances of the death.

QUB German Department Faces Axe

The senate of Queen's University has agreed a plan to cut 103 academic jobs and close its German department. The ruling body agreed the move on Tuesday, arguing it would save money and increase Queen's chance of joining the world's top 100 universities. However the lecturers' union said it was the wrong decision.

Downpatrick 'Renaissance' Public Consultation Opens

Public views have been sought on a £3m public realm 'renaissance' scheme for Downpatrick. Works will take place on St Patrick's Square, Market Street, Scotch Street, Grove and St Patrick's Avenue areas of the town. Funding will be spent on upgrading footpaths, ensuring better use of space for civic events, new street lighting, and street furniture. Regeneration Minister Margaret Ritchie said the town is on the "cusp of a physical renaissance". "We have a new further education college, a new cinema, a new hospital and many other exciting developments planned. But the town centre needs a major upgrade," she said.

Flood Clean-up Begins In Donegal

Donegal's inhabitants are counting the cost of the damage caused by yesterday's flash floods, as a major clean-up operation gets under way. The torrential rain made two rivers burst their banks, affecting mainly the west of the county. More than 20 houses were damaged by the floods, along with around a dozen business premises and many road and bridges in the Gweedore, Derrybeg and Bunbeg areas. Officials from Donegal County Council are inspecting the many unsafe bridges in the area. Yesterday, the residents of a nursing home had to be moved to another part of the building. A woman and her two-year-old daughter had also to be rescued by boat from the second floor of a building in Bunbeg after water levels reached 20ft.

(BMcC/JM)