Monthly Archives: September 2019

A police officer takes part in the searches which led to the discovery of an unlicensed abattoir in south Armagh BY CHRIS KILPATRICK March 5 2014 Gangs behind a lucrative black market trade involving the theft and slaughter of thousands of farm animals for food are putting lives at risk, it has been warned. Highly-organised criminals – believed to have links to republican paramilitaries – have been accused of putting the public’s health in jeopardy through the huge underground industry. Health Minister Edwin Poots (right) yesterday said that the gangs, notably those in south Armagh, would not be allowed to hold Northern Ireland’s food industry, which accounts for 10% of all jobs, to ransom. “We cannot afford for this industry to be dragged down by criminal elements from one particular area that keep popping their heads up over and over again,” he told the Assembly. “It is very unfortunate that … Continue reading →

A number of amendments have been proposed to the law in Northern Ireland which, if passed, may allow women to access abortions in circumstances of a fatal foetal abnormality, or where the pregnancy was as a result of rape or incest. The amendments are due to be debated and voted on at the Northern Ireland Assembly on Wednesday 10 February as part of the legislative process for the Justice Bill. In December, Belfast’s High Court ruled that Northern Ireland’s abortion law is in breach of the European Convention on Human Rights by not allowing for terminations in such circumstances. The Court passed responsibility to the Assembly to change the law. We’re calling for Northern Irish law to follow international human rights standards, including full decriminalisation of abortion, and access to safe and legal abortions – at a minimum – on grounds of severe or fatal foetal abnormality, or in circumstances … Continue reading →

Local Translink managers have met political representatives to discuss passenger transport in the Larne area. The special ‘Meet the Manager’ event provided a platform for discussion around a range of transport matters including: rail service performance, the arrival of new trains, special travel offers and future developments. Frank Moore, Translink NI Railways route manager – Larne Line, said: “This event has been extremely valuable letting us provide service updates while also listening and responding to the views of representatives to ensure we focus on the issues that really matter to local people. “We continue to work hard to improve public transport for everyone and it really is an excellent time to use local services. There has been significant investment such as 20 new trains that have now started to enter passenger service replacing older trains on the Larne line. Our fares continue to offer value for money and the latest … Continue reading →

Staff at Glenburn Veterinary Surgeons (Glengormley) have praised the emergency services following a weekend blaze at the facility. Two appliances from Glengormley Fire Station were tasked to the scene at around 2.30am on Saturday, August 3. Detailing the incident, a Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) spokesperson said: “Firefighters were called to a fire at a veterinary premises on the Antrim Road, Glengormley in the early hours of Saturday morning. “Rubbish was on fire at the rear of the property and it spread to the building. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus extinguished the fire and entered the premises to search for any animals that may have been inside, but the building was clear. “The fire was brought under control at 4.50am. The cause has been determined as accidental.” Praising the response of the emergency services on social media, a spokesperson from the surgery said: “Although the majority of the surgery … Continue reading →

Three East Antrim drop-in sessions have been announced by Action on Hearing Loss in partnership with the Northern Trust. Carrick Community Forum (first floor above Poundland) will host sessions on the second Wednesday in the month continuing on August 14, September 11, October 9, November 13 and December 11, from 10.00 am until noon. In Larne, sessions will take place at Gloucester Park Day Centre, on August 19, September 16, October 21, November 18 and December 16, also from 10.00 am until noon. The next session will take place at Beeches Community Centre in Ballyclare on August 29, from 10.00 am until noon and will continue on September 26, October 31 and November 28, at this time. This is a free drop-in service. No appointments are required. Trained volunteers, who wear hearing aids themselves, provide free batteries, ear mould tubing, wax guards, basic hearing checks and provide practical advice on … Continue reading →