Brucellosis initiative for South Armagh would be welcomed by all Farmers –Terry Hearty

Slieve Gullion area Councillor Terry Hearty reacting to speculation that the Minister Of Agriculture Michelle Gildernew was considering a scheme to eradicate Brucellosis from cattle has stated that such an initiative would be welcome. “Speculation is that this initative would be on a “pilot” basis and it would involve the speedier slaughtering out of herds to remove infection. This type of scheme has been successfully carried out in the twenty six counties”

said Terry who explained “While the annual herd incidence of Brucellosis in the north has been reducing since 2002, the disease has remained in more than half a per cent of herds for the past two years. When Minister Michelle Gildernew met with local farmers in Ti Chulainn before Christmas last year, she was left in no doubt that many local farmers feel that the authorities have been far too slow in removing animals that are reactors or inconclusive in the test. The Minister to be fair stated that she would reflect on what she had herard and I welcome the prospects of this initiative which should go a long way in tackling the serious issue”. The Sinn Fein Councillor concluded by stating that he shared the hope of all involved in the industry that monies would be made available to enable the Minister to launch the scheme.

“Budget Vote Clear Evidence SDLP is Totally and Absolutely Confused” Cathal Boylan

Sinn Féin Newry and Armagh MLA Cathal Boylan commenting on the SDLP decision to vote against the power-sharing Executive's, of which it is a member, Programme for Government has said that the party 'has been unable to come to terms' with the new political realities.

The MLA said that the decision by the SDLP to vote against the Programme for Government was evidence of a party that was totally and absolutely confused. “The reality is that the SDLP believed that these institutions would not be re-established. Their entire political position was predicated on the belief that the DUP and Sinn Féin were the problem parties.

Since the institutions were re-established the SDLP leadership has been unable to come to terms with this new reality and the new political dispensation” said Cathal and he concluded by stating “The SDLP decision was ad hoc and on a whim of the party leader in the course of the Programme for Government debate. It was not a considered position. Last week the SDLP voted for the Programme for Government and the Budget in the Executive. Now this week they vote against it without offering any rationale or credible reason for doing so."

Crossmore Councillor welcomes Road Safety Improvements

Crossmore Sinn Féin Councillor Darren mc Nally has said that news that the request for new safety measures at Tullyglush Hill on the Keady/Granemore Road has been successful, is to be welcomed.

Darren explained that the works which are due to commence within the next two weeks will include new signage and road markings. “Concern about the issues at this stretch of road has been raised on a regular basis, most recently by my Assembly colleague Cathal Boylan MLA. The proposals are practical and will hopefully alleviate as best as possible some concerns.

Mickey Brady “Removal of card accounts could spell the end for many local Post Offices”

Sinn Féin Newry and Armagh MLA Mickey Brady has said that any attempt by the British Government to remove card account contracts would have devastating consequences for the local Post Offices. The MLA said that Sinn Féin has had concerns for some time about the British governments' policy of removing facilities from the postal service.

“This practice will have severe consequences for many communities particularly in the rural areas. It now appears that the local Post Office is coming under further threat with the contract for one of its main services, the benefits payment Card Account, being put out to tender. I would urge community organisations, public representatives and concerned citizens to make their voices heard in demanding that the British government halt its steady run down of services available at the local Post Office” he said.

He added "Deliberate Government policy and dogma is the actual reason that many local Post Offices are becoming unviable. It is not the loss of the traditional customer base but the direct result of government action in running down many of the services available that is the threat to the survival of the local Post Office - particularly in rural areas - which where once the focal point of many small communities”.

The Sinn Féin MLA stated that when payment of benefits moved from payment books to electronic accounts, Post Offices lost out dramatically because government encouraged recipients to have their benefits paid into bank accounts. “The loss of NIE power cards, TV license saving stamps and other pre-payment cards to convenience stores was another attack on the services traditionally provided by the Post Office” said Mickey and he concluded by stating "It is imperative that we do all in our power to present the case for the retention of a facility that for many people, particularly the elderly is essential. The local Post Office is the main point of contact within our communities. The removal of card accounts could spell the end for many of our small Post Offices and that is something we can't allow to happen."

Edward Street problems addressed by Deputy Mayor

Sinn Féin Deputy Mayor Noel Sheridan speaking after his most recent meeting with Council Officials in relation to resolving issues in the Edward Street / Shambles Market area of the city, the has said that he raised a number of issues which had been brought to his attention by residents.

“These included the possibility of opening the Shamble yard for parking at times when it is not in use for markets or other events, and the provision of hanging baskets during the summer to enhance this part of the city” Noel said that he felt he had received a positive and encouraging response from those at the meeting. “Hopefully the Council will initiate practical proposals which can help resolve these issues” said the Deputy Mayor who concluded by saying that he would keep residents informed of any such proposals.

Hearty not happy with sceptic tank emptying times

Slieve Gullion Councillor Terry Hearty has expressed his continued concern in relation to sceptic tank emptying request time scales for the south Armagh area. The Sinn Fein Councillor said that many homes throughout the area still found themselves waiting for up to six months for their tanks to be emptied.

"This is no longer acceptable. I have visited homes which have had tanks overflowing with raw sewerage. There was a belief that more resources had been given to tackling this serious issue. I have asked the Council to contact the Water Service  about our concerns" said Terry. He also pointed out that not only was there was a need to improve time scales for emptying the tanks but also a mechanism to ensure that tanks are fully emptied.