Monthly Archives: July 2014

Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs has accused the Health Minister of trying to deflect attention from the growing crisis in Northern Ireland’s accident and emergency units. The East Antrim MLA was speaking after the Minister sought to highlight a reduction in the number of people waiting over 12 hours in A&Es, whilst failing to address the issue that the number of people not being treated in the normal 4 hour target is rising rapidly year-on-year. Roy Beggs MLA said; “Whilst Northern Ireland has a target to treat 95% of patients attending our main emergency departments within 4 hours, recently released figures show that the proportion of people treated on time and discharged home or admitted in 2013/14 was 78.1%. That appalling figure even breaks the record low rate of 78.5% witnessed in 2012/13. “Whilst I do note that there has been some progress made in addressing the issue of people … Continue reading →

Roy Beggs MLA, who has been contacted by a number of residents has highlighted community concern at the scale of the Oakwood Road bonfire which includes 100’s of tyres, adjacent to housing and a major NIE power line. Roy Beggs said, “The burning of 100’s of tyres in an open fire will expose the local community to carcinogenic compounds and sooth particulates associated from burning rubber.  There are already concerns at the levels of cancer in the Carrickfergus area.  In addition many suffer from respiratory difficulties which will be exacerbated by the dense smoke given off from burning rubber tyres In addition, these tyres destined to be burnt, are sited close to housing and only 15 metres from one of the main High Voltage transmission lines serving NI.  Give the temperatures that such a fire would reach, I am concerned at the risks to both local residential property and the … Continue reading →