Monthly Archives: November 2014

Danny Kennedy said budget cuts had forced his department to suspend the use …

Minister’s safety concerns after streets left in darkness Danny Kennedy said budget cuts had forced his department to suspend the use of external contractors to carry out street light repairs By Noel McAdam – 19 November 2014 Almost 15,000 street lights are now out across Northern Ireland, the Assembly has heard. The total is up by more than 4,000 on last month – and the minister responsible said he could not predict how many lights will be out by the Christmas/New Year holidays. As the winter evenings darken, Regional Development (DRD) Minister Danny Kennedy also revealed, however, that around 5,000 lights which went out over the last three months have been repaired. MLAs also heard allegations that DRD workers have been taking working bulbs from some areas to other locations in darkness. SDLP MLA Joe Byrne said: “There is some concern that sometimes DRD people take bulbs from areas where … Continue reading

Posted in In The News | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Beggs Welcomes Woodburn Fracking Ban

Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs has welcomed confirmation provided by Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy MLA that NI Water will include a no fracking clause at the Infrastrata Woodburn exploratory borehole site, both now and in the future. Mr Beggs said; “I met with NI Water and expressed my concern at potential risks to the Woodburn reservoirs and the public water supply from oil exploration and the potential for future fracking. This is particularly relevant given that test drilling is taking place within a water catchment area. I subsequently wrote to Minister Kennedy last month outlining my concerns at the potential for future fracking at this site, which may emerge from any test drill.  I suggested that in any lease, an explicit ban on fracking should be included.” I am pleased to receive written confirmation from the Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy MLA that “NI Water is aware of the public … Continue reading

Posted in Articles, Assembly, In The News, Press Releases, This Week at Stormont | Leave a comment

Beggs Supports Anti-Bullying Week

Ulster Unionist Party Assemblyman Roy Beggs MLA has added his support to the Northern Ireland Anti-Bullying Forum’s Anti-Bullying Week 2014, which runs from 17th – 21st November. During Anti-Bullying Week 2014 (#ABW14), over 800 schools and youth groups across the region will participate in a range of activities, highlighting key anti-bullying messages around the theme “together we will make a difference – end bullying now!” During ABW14, the Northern Ireland Anti-Bullying Forum are calling on everyone in our society, of all ages and in all areas, to think about what they will do to end bullying.  What will you do? Roy Beggs MLA, who recently took the pledge, said “As a Boys’ Brigade officer, I will continue to watch out for all children and young people to try and prevent bullying from occurring.” He added “If you also want to take the pledge, feel free to tweet @niabf using #ABW14 … Continue reading

Posted in Articles, Assembly, Children and young people, In The News, Press Releases, This Week at Stormont | Leave a comment

MP: Commission ‘out of touch’ over Ashers court action

The equality watchdog taking a Christian-run bakery to court in Northern Ireland is going against public opinion, a DUP MP has warned. And an MLA has said that the case is important for everyone “in terms of civil liberty”. Revd William McCrea, the MP for South Antrim where Ashers Baking Company is based, referred to a recent survey of 2,022 British adults which showed that 65 per cent are against the Commission taking Ashers Baking Company to court. Public opinion He commented: “The commission is very clearly out of step with public opinion. Two-thirds of people in GB surveyed were opposed to the legal action. I have no doubt this figure would be even higher within Northern Ireland. “This is not a case of discrimination, but one where the owners of the company have deeply held Christian beliefs and feel they must act in line with their conscience.” “This is … Continue reading

Posted in In The News | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

MLA visits pharmacy

Community pharmacies can help to reduce the winter pressures on GP practices, according to East Antrim MLA Roy Beggs. Mr Beggs visited MediCare pharmacy at Victoria Road as part of National Pharmacy Association’s Ask your Pharmacist Week. Mr Beggs said: “Advice is given on medicine that is available over-the-counter and they can play an important role in improving health by assisting with health improvement programmes such as smoking cessation.” Matthew McWilliams, community pharmarcist, MediCare Carrickfergus, added: “Your local pharmacist can provide confidential, expert advice and treatment for a range of common illnesses and complaints, without having to wait for a GP appointment.” Parliamentary reports show first speaker only – follow this lnk for the full transcription. Articles may come from parliamentary reports, various public news feeds and Google News Search. Content is republished here for context. Copyright is respected and remains with the original author at all times. Original Article:http://www.carrickfergustimes.co.uk/news/local-news/mla-visits-pharmacy-1-6412287

Posted in In The News | Tagged , , | Leave a comment