Monthly Archives: April 2019

Translink has opposed a planning application for the development of Cloghan Point fuel terminal due to rail safety concerns. A proposal is currently being considered by Mid and East Antrim Council for the redevelopment of the existing site, between Whitehead and Carrick, to an import, storage and distribution facility, incorporating petrol, gas oil and diesel. The Cookstown-based LCC Group which owns the Go fuel company, bought the terminal from AES Kilroot in a multi-million pound deal in 2017. Speaking after a recent public meeting, Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs said that the development could have implications for the Belfast to Larne railway line. Mr. Beggs said: “I have concerns over the storage of volatile petroleum products such as patrol and aviation fuel adjacent to the railway line.” A spokesperson for Translink said:“While there is no expectation to disrupt timetabled passenger services, Translink has rejected the planning application for the proposed … Continue reading →

The fourth annual Mid and East Antrim Flower Show and Summer Fair will be held this Saturday (August 18) at Larne Market Yard. Hosted by broadcaster Barra Best, the show will include a wide range of categories including cut flowers, pot plants, vegetables, flower arrangement, and home industry. There is also a junior section for those under 16 which includes the ‘no bake tray bake’, cupcakes, and floral art categories. The flower arrangement challenge for adults is to create displays on the themes of ‘Blooming Marvellous’, ‘Along the Hedgerow’ or ‘Nature’s Jewels’. There are also the Monster Veg and Novelty Veg categories. Competing in the Flower Show is free, no matter how many categories you enter, and is suitable for both experts and complete beginners. As well as the show, there will be a Summer Fair on site from 1pm to 4pm. Activities will include fairground games, scarecrow making, street theatre, … Continue reading →

Sinn Féin had set out demands on same-sex marriage as part of attempts to reach a fresh power-sharing deal in Northern Ireland. Assembly elections were held earlier this month in Northern Ireland after the collapse of the previous government, with Democratic Unionist Party losing ground after a corruption scandal.  The anti-gay marriage DUP, which is still the largest party with a reduced majority, had previously used peace process powers known as ‘petitions of concern’ to block same-sex marriage. Under the Good Friday Agreement, second-largest party Sinn Féin must form a new power-sharing government with the DUP – but the two parties failed to reach a deal by the deadline this afternoon. The talks collapsed after Sinn Féin set out a number of red lines, including progress on equal marriage. The party has since alleged that the DUP refused to budge on the issue. Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said: … Continue reading →

East Antrim Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs has welcomed news that ‘Redeeming Our Communities’ will be having a ‘ROC Conversation’ in Larne, on Tuesday May 28, at Larne High School. The initiative is aimed at tackling social issues. A similar event took place in Carrick recently supported by Mid and East Antrim Policing and District Partnership and borough council. An action group has since been formed. ROC is a national faith-based community engagement charity meeting a range of social needs across the UK. Their mission of ‘empowering people of goodwill’ is to work together for safer, stronger communities’ underlines all that they do. ROC works in partnership with churches, statutory agencies, community groups, charities, faith-based groups and residents to “transform communities in innovative and meaningful ways”. Mr. Beggs said: “I met ROC and their local worker Keeva Watson, at Stormont, last year and started a conversation about bringing Redeeming Our … Continue reading →

While some commentators have described the 2016 assembly election campaign as fairly low-key, it has had its share of strange and quirky moments. Among the most surprising was the seeming confusion on the part of the DUP as to when exactly Northern Ireland was established. Part of the DUP manifesto covered plans for a public holiday and programme of events to mark Northern Ireland’s centenary. It reads: “Northern Ireland was established as a legal entity on May 5 2021.” Image caption The DUP got its dates badly wrong in its election manifesto No pictures of Belfast’s own De Lorean cars were included in this Back to the Future moment for the DUP. The most obvious way of telling an election is imminent – apart from the ever growing pile of leaflets shoved through your door – is, of course, posters of candidates. Sean Burns, South Belfast Labour Alternative candidate, found … Continue reading →