NIEA investigating extensive slurry spill in Ballinderry River near Cookstown

The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) is investigating a report of an extensive spillage of slurry into a tributary of the ‘Ballinderry River’. 

The incident was reported via the Water Pollution Hotline (0800 80 70 60) this morning and Water Quality Officers were immediately on site, near Cookstown, Co Tyrone. 

The environmental impact has been assessed as high.

It has been confirmed that a significant volume of agricultural slurry, estimated to be in excess of 400,000 gallons, has escaped from a farm in the area. Some of the slurry has reached the Ballinderry River and potentially up to six kilometers may have been affected. 

NIEA investigations are ongoing into the circumstances and environmental effects of the incident, including that samples have been collected with a view to necessary enforcement action once the investigation is complete. 

Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said: “I am concerned that such a large amount of slurry has polluted the local environment here. The important thing now is for the problem to be addressed quickly and professionally. I welcome the fact that NIEA staff have acted swiftly here and I will be keeping a close eye on developments.”

The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) Inland Fisheries staff have been made aware of this incident.

The source of the spill has been identified but as an investigation is ongoing the Agency is not able to provide further detail of the location.

All media queries should be directed to the DOE Press Office on 028 9025 6058. Out of office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.

Statement from Justice Minister regarding "on the runs"

Justice Minister David Ford has commented on the NIO scheme put in place for “on the runs”.

David Ford said: “The first I became aware of this scheme and the associated letters issued was after the Downey court decision and shortly before it became public. It was never introduced to me either before, at the point of devolution or since devolution in April 2010.

“Comments made by the Secretary of State in the House of Commons that letters have been issued since the devolution of justice are deeply disturbing. I have demanded a meeting with the Secretary of State and will be meeting her later this evening to clarify who has signed these letters.

“What I do know is that none of these letters have issued from the Department of Justice. What we don’t know is what the implications may be for prosecutions and for our crucial efforts to find political consensus on how to deal with the past. 

“It is important that the victims of this, and all the other atrocities, are remembered and sensitivity observed.” 

For all media queries, please contact the DOJ Press Office on 028 9052 6444. For out of office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via paper number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.

O’Dowd hails success of local pupils at Science and Technology Event

Education Minister John O’Dowd has congratulated local students who have been successful in the final of the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition in Dublin.

Kyle Clarke and Conan Mulraine, students from South East Regional College, Bangor Campus, lifted the award for best entry from the north of Ireland with their project ‘Renewable production of ethanol bio fuel’.

Pupils from St Mary’s College, Derry; Ballyclare High School; St Mary’s, Limavady; Wellington College, Belfast; Portora Royal School, Enniskillen; St Fanchea’s College, Fermanagh; St Mary’s Grammar, Magherafelt; and Abbey Christian Brothers Grammar School, Newry, also picked up awards on the night.

The overall BT Young Scientist trophy, designed by Jowita Rogalska, a student from the Southern Regional College in Lurgan, was picked up by Paul Clarke of St Paul’s College, Dublin.

Congratulating the prize winners, Mr O’Dowd said:  “All students who made it to the finals should be proud of their achievements.  For those who have made it this far, this week’s exhibition is the culmination of many months of hard work at home and in school.

“I was impressed with the standard of entries and enjoyed meeting and chatting with pupils from local schools.  The enthusiasm they showed in their work was evident and is an encouraging sign as we seek to attract more young people to study STEM subjects.

“The pupils who made it here today are being recognised for their hard work; however I would also like to pay tribute to the school staff who have supported them over recent months.  These individuals have spent time to help and encourage their pupils and to instil a passion for learning which will stand them in good stead as they continue their studies.

“As it reaches its milestone of 50 years, the BT Young Scientist Event goes from strength to strength, helping encourage and challenge the innovators of tomorrow.  This is an important event that I hope will continue to grow in the coming years.”

Robinson and McGuinness express sympathy at death of Nelson Mandela

First Minister Rt. Hon Peter D Robinson MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MLA have expressed their profound sadness at the death of Nelson Mandela.

The First Minister said: "It is with deep sorrow that I heard of the death of Nelson Mandela and I offer my condolences to his entire family circle at this time. We have known for some time that he was ill, nonetheless, it still comes as a great shock to lose such an inspirational man and a massive figure in terms of world politics.

"I met Nelson Mandela on two occasions and was struck by his considerable humility and charisma. He did not see himself in terms of celebrity yet barely anyone throughout the world would not recognise his name and that is no small part because of his unique ability to connect personally with people.

"Nelson Mandela carried out his role with a real talent to draw people and whole communities together. South Africa and the rest of the world had a tremendous respect for him.

"When I asked how he dealt with opposition and the business of negotiation he commented that real negotiation is not with political opponents, rather with your own community and while they may feel you are stepping ahead of them, it is important to convince them to make the journey - a message so pertinent to our own peace process.”

The deputy First Minister said: "I offer my heartfelt sympathies to his family at this difficult time. I was honoured to meet Nelson Mandela the last time he was in Dublin and there is no doubt he was truly one of the greatest leaders of our lifetime.

"Through his humility, strong negotiation skills and desire for justice he earned respect as an ambassador for peace, human rights and democracy across the globe. It was appropriate in 1993 this was recognised when he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, which he shared with former South African President FW De Klerk.

"He will be remembered for demonstrating what is possible when people are committed to peace and reconciliation in areas of conflict. Nelson Mandela has left an indelible mark not only in South Africa but across the world. In 1997, at a critical stage of our peace process, I was honoured to lead, at the invitation of President Mandela, a delegation to South Africa for significant discussion with South African peace negotiators, which also included all parties from the North.

"President Mandela’s interest in the success of the peace process was epitomised by the valuable contributions made by amongst others Cyril Ramaphosa, his Chief negotiator and the now Deputy President of African National Congress, who was a constant source of support to us throughout. Nelson Mandela was a true friend to Ireland.”