Other NI News In Brief

Red Kite In The Sunset

Twitchers are out 'flying their kites' today with news that the spectacular birds of prey, the Red kites have successfully bred in Northern Ireland's forests for the first time in 200 years. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) said five chicks had fledged from four nests across south County Down. More red kites will be released later this morning, bringing the number of birds in the wild to 80.

Ash Cloud Hits Budget Airline's Profits

Low cost carrier Ryanair has announced a drop in profits of 24%, due to the disruption caused by the volcanic ash cloud earlier this year. The airline's first-quarter profits announcement saw a net profit of £117.8 million in the three months to the end of June, representing an increase of 1% on last year's figures. However, when the cost of the cancellation of almost 10,000 flights as a result of the airspace closure to the volcanic ash cloud - nearly €50 million - was accounted for, the remaining profit fell by 24% from the previous year's figure. The airline is still expecting to see profits rise by between 10 - 15% to more than €350 million for the full year.

Wills To Fly NI Rescue Missions

Although a spokesman for the Ministry of defence (MoD) said there was "no likelihood" of Prince William being stationed in NI permanently as "there is no search and rescue facility" locally, the second-in-line to the throne will almost certainly see service in Northern Ireland as he begins a three-year helicopter search and rescue posting at a north Wales RAF base. He will therefore be the first member of the Royal Family to serve in the province since the beginning of the Troubles as RAF Valley in Anglesey provides almost all of NI's helicopter search and rescue cover. If he successfully completes his training, Prince William will begin his career as a co-pilot.

Man Found Dead In Newbridge

An investigation has been launched after the body of a 21-year-old man was discovered in a house in Newbridge, Co Kildare, in the early hours of yesterday morning. The man's body was found in a house at Moorefield Park, Newbridge, at 5.30am yesterday and gardaí say they are treating the find as suspicious. It is believed the man may have been stabbed. A post mortem examination has been carried out but the results have not been released. Gardaí are appealing for anyone who was in the area between midnight and 5am to contact them.

(BMcC/GK)