I actually do LOVE LARNE!

Today I was teaching a Spanish class the verb gustar, indicating something you like. We moved on to other verbs like encantar, something you love.

A coincidence, then, thay the 'I love Larne' programme was aired tonight? No, more of an utter disappointment!

Let me start by saying I LOVE LARNE. But in the sincere way, not the ludicrous tripe portrayed in the programme. Let me also distance myself entirely from the programme and its agenda.

A number of years ago a man with family connections to Larne asked to be allowed to film certain Council events as part of his programme on Larne and how its people are resilient i  the face of adversity. Great! some overdue positive recognition for the people of Larne.

Forgive me then for thinking that the programme aired tonight had a totally different remit! The title of the show was a farce, as it showed very little of those who love Larne (and there are many of us!)

Let me extol some of the numerous virtues of Larne which should have appeared (and made for a much better programme).

First, you will find it difficult to encounter a warmer welcome than that which you will receive in Larne. And a Larne person will go out of his or her way to help you.

If you need confirmation of what a great place Larne is,  I suggest you visit Memories of Larne or Larne Through A Lens on Facebook.

This programme originally grew out of the FG Wilson job loss announcement. Since then there have been new jobs announced. Larne's businesses do great work and are consistently winning awards. We have some of the most advanced technology companies in the country. We export around the globe. Council-funded LEDCOM supports new, existing and growing businesses. Howard Hastings of Hastings Hotels recently reaffirmed his belief in the economy of the Larne area.

Where did all this positivity feature on the programme??

Carnfunnock Country Park is amongst the best 5 family parks in NI. The forthcoming Gobbins project will attract tourists and future investment into the area. We are located on the beautiful Antrim Coast.  Larne's importance as a port town has been reaffirmed by both the A8 and A2 road improvement schemes. Compared to other towns, Larne is performing very well and, with new businesses poised to open on the Main St,  the improvements are set to continue.

I could continue...

Please allow me to finish with a few points. The BBC made this programme (believe me, I would have strongly opposed this airing if I could have done so). I understand the anger shown tonight, I share it entirely. I will be requesting answers as to why such rubbish was allowed to be aired...why no locals were allowed to contribute and why elected representatives were sidelined in favour of (a) council officer(s)!

Watch this space for answers...and keep loving Larne!

The noise of empty vessels...

So the Queen's University batallion of Sinn Fein have mustered up a few hundred signatures in an attempt to trigger a vote aimed at bringing about "the end of partition in Ireland".

What has that got to do with Queen's? Good question!

I fully support the Chair of The Queen's University Young Unionists, Sky Aughey, in her comments about this ludicrous all-Ireland poll proposed for Queen's University Students' Union at the Queen's University Belfast. University should be a place of learning and challenging of ideas and concepts. It is, of course, a place for debate and reasoning. However, the Students Union should be a body which fights for all the students of QUB - be they Protestant, Catholic, Unionist, Nationalist, Irish, British, English, Scottish, Welsh, Spanish...etc., etc....

What we actually see in the SU is a Republican mob who have no idea what the REAL needs of students are so, instead, they spend their time wistfully churning our propaganda and divisive bile which has absolutely NO bearing on any student's university experience whatsoever.

At QUB freshers 2014 with Cllr Chris Smyth, Sky Aughey, Chair QUB YU, and her team.

I am a postgraduate student of QUB and proud member of the Ulster Unionist Party. I am also privileged to teach a number of students within the institution, and their concerns seem to have been forgotten by certain elements of the Student's Union. Let me outline a few...

•  A quality education; making sure students receive value for money, a solid preparation for the future, up-to-date lessons in rooms fit for purpose and with equipment which is top-of-the-range;
• Career prospects; giving QUB students the best platform from which to jump onto the career ladder, opening doors, seeking out local, national, and internationsl prospects for our students;
• Managing their finaces; the university experience is expensive, but it is an investment. That said, many students struggle to fund their course and pay the bills, and our SU should be fighting to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to access a university education without the worry of debt;
• A wholesome extra-curricular experience; like school, going to university isn't about attending the classes on the timetable. It is about the extra seminars and talks which add value to each course, or the range of clubs and societies available, the important social and networking aspect, and the opportunity to play a much more active role at Queen's;
• Community engagement and the wider impact of research; making a difference to the community locally and nationally - and QUB has a track record of groundbreaking engagement and contribution, from the after-school homework clubs to internationally recognised cancer treatment research. This all requires funding from various sources, something which the SU should be standing up for and promoting;
• And, ultimately, playing a role in the building a better society; a degree is nothing if it is only a piece of paper. An expensive piece of paper, costing 3/4 or 5 years and several thousand pounds to acquire. A degree should change the person, it should inspire them to move to the next stage in their career, as an active citizen, playing an important role in society at whatever level. Our students aren't the leaders of tomorrow, many are actually leading the way today.

The above areas are but a few of the concerns which the student body at large have to deal with on a daily basis. Our Students Union seems to have forgotten about its aims and objectives, about inclusivity, about standing up for the students who pay for the place with their fees!

Along with Party colleagues, I have written to University officials to express my concern. Not at the content of the vote- the motion would probably pass but the fantasy aspiration of a United Ireland is no more realistic than live on Jupiter. However, I am worried about the divisive nature of the debate and the negative impact which it would have on campus life in the months and years ahead.

Thankfully most are sensible, well-reasoned people (albeit with differing views and opinions, as is to be expected), yet they all see the truth in the old adage: empty vessels make the most noise.

Better Together!

Scottish vote outcome important for Larne, a local councillor has claimed. Speaking ahead of this week's referendum in Scotland, Ulster Unionist Cllr Mark McKinty highlighted the possible impact a Scottish 'Yes' vote would have on Larne.

"I believe that the vote on Scottish independence is down to the Scottish people themselves, but it is only right and proper that citizens in other parts of the UK and indeed the rest of the world are able to comment and take part in the debate."

"Men and women from Larne lodges and bands took part in a parade in Edinburgh and there is a simple reason why these and many other local people would feel the pain of a "Yes" vote on Thursday: Scotland and Northern Ireland share a historic socio-cultural bond extending back over many generations."

"There is a great relationship between the Northern Irish and the Scots, exemplified by much shared music and expressions of culture.  The obvious example is the Ulster Scots heritage which binds us to Scotland,  but there is much more."

"However, the extent of this special bond is much greater. Many of our young people choose to study in Scotland,  and the Port of Larne provides a gateway to Northern Ireland from mainland Great Britain. These are just two issues which would affect the people of Northern Ireland should the Scots break away."

"I would obviously wish to see our neighbours remain within the United Kingdom. Strength comes from our unity, and our people are much better economically, socially and culturally than they would be as 4 separate nations: we are better together."

Legal highs removed, but more to do!

Larne Ulster Unionist Cllr Mark McKinty has welcomed the news that legal highs were last week removed from circulation in Larne, but warns of the long battle ahead for community safety.

Speaking following discussion with Larne Council Environmental Health officers, Cllr McKinty said: "It is extremely good news that more than 300 sachets of legal high substances were removed from sale in a shop on Dunluce Street in Larne last week.

The local election candidate, who is also the current Chair of the Larne Policing and Community Safety Partnership,  has been lobbying the issue for some time: "In conjunction with my colleague Roy Beggs MLA, I raised the issue of legal highs at Council in March:

"Following the recent action taken by Belfast City Council to seize products it believed were illegal highs, the Court judgment agreeing that the products seized had inadequate labelling and safety information and authorising the council to destroy the items seized, what measures is Larne Borough Council taking in conjunction with the PSNI to protect the public and to use the precedence established to prevent the sale of similar products that are believed to be legal highs within the Borough of Larne. "

Consumer Protection Act 1987

The Director presented a report in relation to the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 relating to Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPSs) otherwise known as legal highs. The Director outlined the approach taken by Belfast City Council in relation to retailers known to be supplying NSPs and the outcome.  On the basis of this, those Councils who believed that they had a “Head Shop” in their area intended to meet with staff from Belfast City Council on 12 March to look at a co-ordinated approach to the issue. The Director advised on the proposed course of action and he outlined the legal costs for taking forward an application for forfeiture.  

Recommendation: Council endorse the approach proposed to deal with the sale of NPSs in the Larne area and the Council write to the Health Minister seeking a tightening of the legislative controls on NPSs. (This was supported unanimously).

"Following this question at Council,  the matter was also raised at our April PCSP meeting, where members voiced concerns at the vulnerability of users, especially young people" said Cllr McKinty.  "I was also alerted to the presence of a criminal gang travelling to Larne from Belfast in order to purchase the substances no longer available in Belfast. What was even more concerning was the fact they were also shoplifting in Larne to fund both their travel and their purchase".

"I praise the work of the PSNI and the Council officers who were last week able to remove sachets from circulation. Similar raids are continuing to take place around the country."

"The struggle remains ahead however to achieve a permanent resolution to the problem. My concerns are twofold: firstly, whilst these products are technically legal substances, and until prosectuions are brought forward under the Consumer Protection Act 1987, raided shops can be restocked in a matter of hours. Secondly, there is a very high risk that this market will be forced underground,  making the gathering of evidence and the protection of our community more difficult."

"This is an issue which is affecting the health and wellbeing of many in our community, especially young people, and I fear where it may lead if not dealt with immediately. Given that this problem falls within the remit of several Executive departments,  I would call on the Stormont Executive to make its resolution a priority. "

Ulster Unionists Welcome Car Parking Discount Scheme

Ulster Unionist Party candidates for Larne in the upcoming Mid and East Antrim Council election, Maureen Morrow, Mark McKinty and Andy Wilson have welcomed the announcement of a six month trial period for lower off street parking in Larne Town.

In a joint statement the Ulster Unionist team said:

“Our town centre needs all the help it can get in these difficult times for traders.  Therefore the decision of Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy MLA to repeat the Christmas scheme for a 6 week trial is a timely boost for retaliers in Larne town centre. The 5 hours parking for a £1 offer starting on 12^th April 2014 applies to Agnew Street, Fairhill, Narrow Gauge Road."

"With the responsibility for off street car parking due to be handed down from DRD Roads service to local Councils, it will be interesting to see what effect this trial has on footfall in our local shops.  It is certainly the sort of initiative we would like to promote and see continuing in the new Council set up.” 

 

The scheme for Agnew Street, Fairhill and Narrow Gauge Road applies to tariffs of 30p or more per hour.  Drivers will still be able pay for normal tariffs under £1 in each car park and normal tariffs over 5 hours still apply.  This is just the latest initiative from Danny Kennedy that is designed to both save the public money and attract more people into town centres, like the freeze on car parking charges and a zero increase on Translink fairs for 2014.

Transport Minister, Danny Kennedy said: "Local retailers across Northern Ireland have told me that they are continuing to operate in a challenging environment.  That was one of the main reasons why I introduced a five hours parking for one pound over the Christmas and New Year period.

“The scheme was welcomed by traders and this extensive pilot project will inform my Departments future policy. The five hours parking for £1 pilot tariff will support both the local economy and retailers in their efforts to encourage more shoppers back into towns and cities across Northern Ireland.”

 

Notes to editors:

1. This Pilot Project applies to 93 Roads Services car parks in 25 towns which have a tariff of 30p or more per hour.

2. Pictured are L/R Roy Beggs Jnr MLA, Cllr Mark McKinty, DRD Minister Danny Kennedy MLA, the Mayor Cllr Maureen Morrow, Jim Nicholson MEP, Andy Wilson, Ald Roy Begg.

3. Candidates are Maureen Morrow (Larne Coast Road), and Mark McKinty & Andy Wilson (both Larne Lough).

Cllr McKinty welcomes water rates drop

Cllr Mark McKinty has welcomed news that farmers, small businesses and industry will pay less for their water and sewerage services for the second successive year as Northern Ireland Water announce a drop in charges for non-domestic customers.

The reduction will take place from 1 April 2014 and will be the second year in a row that charges have decreased, after they dropped last year by 2.5%.

The Ulster Unionist representative said:

'This news will give a big boost to those non-domestic Northern Ireland Water customers who will be paying less for their water and sewerage services for the second year in a row.  This latest decrease means that people such as farmers and small business owners will be benefiting from a not-insignificant drop of 11.7% in real terms in their bill compared to what they were paying two years ago.’

'During what is a difficult time for many businesses financially, it is fantastic to see good news coming their way.  I’m sure that this news will be welcomed by all those who will benefit.’

'This decrease, of an average of 4%, has been made possible due to Northern Ireland Water making improvements in efficiency.

'I would also congratulate my Party’s Minister, Danny Kennedy MLA.  Since he took over the reins at the Department of Regional Development we are increasingly seeing savings being put back into rewards for the public. This latest announcement, along with a zero increase on 2014 fares for Translink customers and a five year freeze on car parking charges are just some of the initiatives designed to give some relief to the public at a time when many are finding themselves stretched financially.’

Islandmagee School case taken to Minister John O’Dowd’s desk

The campaign for a new school to cater for young people in Islandmagee has been taken directly to the Minister’s desk by a delegation from Larne Borough Council. 

The group representing the council consisted of Cllr Martin Wilson, Cllr John Matthews and Cllr Mark McKinty, who headed the delegation.

Speaking following the meeting, Cllr Mark McKinty spoke of positive signs: ‘I would like to thank the Minister John O’Dowd for the opportunity to put forward the case for a new school in Islandmagee. Initially I had requested this meeting back in November 2013. However, when Council suggested sending a cross-party delegation to meet the Minister, I offered my meeting as an option to speed up the process”.

“I was very pleased to be able to present Minister O’Dowd with a strong case in favour of a new school for Islandmagee. The Minister is well aware of the facts and figures of this case, and a number of representations have been made by various organisations and individuals, including myself. The purpose of the meeting was therefore to present to the Minister a local viewpoint, a perspective that would not necessarily be included in a Departmental report.”

“We were able to share with the Minister the frustration of 3 or 4 cycles of children who have been awaiting a new school in the area for over a decade. We also raised the current state of buildings at both Mullaghdubh and Kilcoan Primary Schools which are unfit for purpose, being over 160 and 100 years respectively. Staff have made very good use of the facilities available to them, however the cost of necessary improvements would be better spent on a new school.”

Cllr Mark McKinty visiting the site already acquired by the NEELB for Islandmagee's new school.

 “With over 120 pupils currently enrolled in the two schools, a new school would surely welcome over 150 pupils upon opening, with this number set to rise dramatically when parents – who currently send their children elsewhere due to the uncertainty over primary provision in the area – decide to educate their children in Islandmagee. In a nutshell, a new school in Islandmagee would be very sustainable in its own right.”

“Road safety at the two schools, particularly Mullaghdubh, is another concern for staff, parents and local residents. The fact that the NEELB already owns the site for the new school means off-road car parking would be available, and a pedestrian link between the school and the new Gobbins Visitor and Community Centre would make walking to school a better option for many children. The proximity to the new visitor centre will also allow the school children to learn more about their local history, take part in tourism events and play an active role in the community.”

“Whilst the Minister was unable to give a definitive answer, I am satisfied that the case has been well put to him, and I am very hopeful that a positive outcome of this issue will finally be forthcoming in the near future.”

The Council delegation invited Minister O’Dowd to visit Kilcoan and Mullaghdubh schools both verbally and by letter (see attached).

Translink assault "irresponsible"

On Wednesday, 8^th January 2014 at approximately 16:15 a member of Customer Services staff at Larne Town Railway Station was assaulted by a male who had caused criminal damage in the station. The PSNI were tasked to the scene, where the offender was arrested. Our member of staff sustained injuries to his face and lower legs.

Local Councillor Mark McKinty, who has also been active in lobbying for service retention and improvement on the Larne Line, has called the act "irresponsible". "Public transport is a very important infrastructure in our society. For many it is the only means of transport, and so it is important that all rail and bus users act responsibly and in a courteous manner towards other passengers."

"Thankfully, last week's irresponsible attack on property and a member of staff is isolated, however such incidents must not be allowed to continue. I, along with others, have been lobbying for improved services on the Larne Line, which has seen vastly increased usage in recent months. Inconsiderate actions cost time and money, which could inhibit future progress on the line. Anyone with any information should contact Translink or the PSNI".